trips around the us

Are you ready for a Road Trip? Explore these eleven incredible cross-country road trip routes across the U.S.!

Pacific Coast

Border to Border

The Road to Nowhere

The Great River Road

Appalachian Trail

Atlantic Coast

The Great Northern

The Oregon Trail

The Loneliest Road

Southern Pacific

Classic American Road Trips

Pacific Coast Highway

Starting at the northwest tip of the United States at Washington’s Olympic National Park and remaining within sight of the ocean all the way south to sunny San Diego, this 1,650-mile, mostly two-lane road trip takes in everything from temperate rainforest to near-desert.

Highlights along the Pacific Coast Route: Olympic National Park (WA), Three Capes Loop (OR), Redwood National Park (CA)

Historic Route 66

The romance of traveling along historic Route 66 from where it starts in Chicago and ends in Los Angeles continues to captivate people around the world. If you’re looking for great displays of neon signs, rusty middle-of-nowhere truck stops, or kitschy Americana, do as the song says and “get your kicks on Route 66.”

Highlights along Route 66: Chicago (IL), Meramec Caverns (MO), Tucumcari (NM), Painted Desert (AZ), Santa Monica (CA)

• Barnes & Noble
• Books-A-Million
• Indigo (Canada)
• Powell's Books
• Apple Books

Running coast-to-coast from San Francisco to Ocean City, Maryland, “The Loneliest Road in America” is a 3,200-mile odyssey from sea to shining sea. US-50 passes through a dozen different states, four state capitals, and the nation’s capital, Washington, D.C.

Highlights along the Loneliest Road: South Lake Tahoe (CA), Moab (UT), The Million Dollar Highway (CO), Washington D.C.

Following in the footsteps of pilgrims and pioneers, US‑20 takes in a little of everything during its two-lane trek from Oregon’s rugged coast to the glorious sea and sand of Cape Cod.

Highlights along the Oregon Trail: Cannon Beach (OR), Fort Boise (ID), Yellowstone National Park (WY), Mt Rushmore & Carhenge (NE)

Dubbed the Great Northern in memory of the pioneer railroad that parallels the western half of the route, US‑2 is truly the most stunning and unforgettable, not to mention longest, of all the great transcontinental road trips.

Highlights along the Great Northern: Tumwater Canyon (WA), Glacier National Park (MT), Lake Michigan (MI), Acadia National Park (ME)

The Appalachian Trail

This driving route of the Appalachian Trail parallels the epic hike. From the top of New England to the heart of Dixie, it takes you through continuous natural beauty—without the sweat, bugs, or blisters.

Highlights along the Appalachian Trail: Mt. Washington (NH), The Poconos (PA), Shenandoah National Park (VA), Great Smoky Mountains National Park (NC)

Old Man River, Father of Waters, “body of a nation,” Big Muddy: By any name, the mighty Mississippi River cuts a mythic figure across the American landscape. Tag along from its headwaters in Minnesota to where it meets the sea in Louisiana via the GRR.

Highlights along the Great River Road: Main Street USA (WI), St. Louis (MO), Natchez Trace Parkway (MS), New Orleans (LA)

Starting at the Statue of Liberty and ending with a drive across the Overseas Highway to free-wheeling Key West, these almost 2,000 miles of roadway run within earshot—if not sight—of the Atlantic Ocean.

Highlights along the Atlantic Coast: The Statue of Liberty (NJ), Assateague Island National Seashore (MD), Savannah (GA), Cocoa Beach (FL)

Starting at Canada’s Jasper National Park, and winding down in the Sonora Desert, this route traverses some of the wildest and most rugged lands imaginable: mighty mountains, glaciated valleys, raging rivers, and two very different deserts.

Highlights along the Border to Border Route: Columbia Icefield (AB), Bitterroot Mountains (MT), The Extraterrestrial Highway (NV), Joshua Forest Parkway (AZ)

Once the only entirely paved route from Canada to “Old Mexico,” US‑83 cuts across America’s heartland and remains a must-do long-distance byway—transnavigating this broad, odd nation without once grazing a conventional tourist destination.

Highlights along the Road to Nowhere: Sitting Bull Memorial (SD), Nebraska Sand Hills (NE), Monument Rocks (KS), Paint Rock Pictographs (TX)

Following old US-80 and its contemporary equivalents takes you through more varied cultural and physical landscapes than you’ll find along any other cross-country route. From deserts to bayou swamps and Tex-Mex to barbecue, this route offers a full-flavored taste of America.

Highlights along Southern Pacific: The Desert View Tower (CA), Tombstone (AZ), Roswell (NM), Civil Rights Movement National Historic Trail (AL)

60 Bucket List USA Trip Ideas: Best Places to Visit in the US (2024)

Here are 60 awesome USA trip ideas and the best places to visit in the US that will get you really excited about exploring America.

From USA road trips , to the best city getaways, We have traveled to all 50 states and can wholeheartedly tell you there are some incredible destinations in the United States that absolutely deserve a spot on your USA bucket list .

If you are taking a trip to the USA, you’ll find that America is filled with majestic natural landscapes.

The most beautiful states in the US have incredible waterfalls, beaches, mountains, slot canyons, and more. There are terrific cities to explore too. So let’s get started with the best places to visit in the USA.

Table of Contents

Our Favorite Resources to Plan a Trip to the USA

This post contains affiliate links. If you book or buy something through one of these links, we may earn a commission. There is no extra cost to you. You can read our full disclosure  here .

• A USA road trip is even more fun when you rent an RV or Sprinter Van. We booked a trip with Outdoorsy to try out Van Life and loved that we could choose from so many amazing options. Use code Jen50 to get $50 off your first Outdoorsy rental
• I think we’ll all seen that trip insurance can come in really handy for things you would never expect to happen. We use SafetyWing to protect ourselves..
• For more in depth trip inspiration, check out these USA Destinations or our YouTube Channel that has tons of USA Trip videos.

15 Top USA Road Trip Ideas Worthy of Your Bucket List

Whether they are close to home or far away, road trips are awesome. It lets you get up close and personal with a destination without being stuck in one place.

Road trips are great for traveling with your significant other, a family vacation, spending time with a parent, or a girlfriend’s getaway.

1. Pacific Coast Highway is the Ultimate Bucket List USA Road Trip (600 miles)

A Pacific Coast Highway road trip from San Diego to San Francisco (600 miles) will take you past the Prettiest Beaches in Southern California and the cutest California beach towns .

Be sure to stop in the entertainment capital of Los Angeles , the beachy community of Santa Barbara , and nearby Ojai .

The road turns inland for stops in Solvang , Los Olivos , and Paso Robles for a wine tasting before you head back to the coast. See the famed Hearst Castle and continue on to the redwoods of Big Sur .

The quaint communities of Carmel-by-the-Sea , Monterey , and Santa Cruz are worth stops before arriving at the iconic Golden Gate Bridge . You’ll have plenty of exploring in San Francisco before you head home.

RELATED POST: 18 BEST THINGS TO DO IN THE DANISH TOWN OF SOLVANG, CALIFORNIA

2. Northern California Wine Country (225 miles)

California wines are renowned worldwide. To get a proper taste of them, the California Wine Country road trip is the best option.

First, make your way through Napa Valley , its vineyards, historic landmarks, and the thriving luxury hotel scene. Spend a few days wine tasting and trying some of the best restaurants in the USA.

Catch a glimpse of Old Faithful Geyser in Calistoga before heading to Sonoma County and staying at a boutique hotel in the charming town of Healdsburg .

One of the best things to do in Healdsburg is shop in Healdsburg Plaza and stay overnight at the new Montage Healdsburg with gorgeous vineyard views.

Continue towards Mendocino and stop at one of many tasting rooms like Navarro Vineyards & Winery before arriving at the windswept coast.

Redwood forests and beaches abound. Head back to San Francisco driving along the stunning Northern California coast route.

3. California Highway 395 and the Eastern Sierra (300+ miles)

This scenic road trip along US Route 395 will take you east of the Sierra Nevada mountain range. Start your adventure in Lake Tahoe. Lake Tahoe has so many fun things to do. Bring an inflatable kayak to use in Secret Cove and other lakes.

Head to the Mammoth Lakes area making sure to stop at otherworldly Mono Lake along the way. If you have enough time, you can visit

Yosemite National Park through the east entrance in summer. Mammoth has summer activities like hiking, mountain biking, fishing, and kayaking.

Visit the Hot Creek Geologic Site and take a soak in a natural hot spring. Alabama Hills is next up and the perfect place to stay overnight with a sprinter van or RV.

This much-loved film location has hiking and beautiful vistas. Last but not least, drive another hour to reach Death Valley National Park .

RELATED POST: 10 HIKING ESSENTIALS TO PACK FOR A DAY HIKE

4. Southern California Deserts (285 miles)

Fly into Palm Spring Airport and start the road trip exploring the eclectic area of downtown Palm Springs and Palm Desert. Don’t miss the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway for birdseye views and a day trip to Joshua Tree National Park .

A 2-hour drive will get you to the vineyards and historic downtown of Temecula . It’s a great place for a hot air balloon ride if you plan ahead.

Continue to the beautiful Anza Borrego Desert State Park known for its natural wonders and cactus-studded hills.

Finally visit the Salton Sea , the biggest lake in California that was accidentally created. Stop by the almost ghost town of artistic Bombay Beach and Salvation Mountain , a religious structure featured in the movie Into the Wild .

The Pacific Northwest Has Stunning USA Road Trips

5. Oregon Coast (340 miles)

Head straight up the Oregon coast for 350 miles of extraordinary amazing Oregon beaches . See the Natural Bridges at Samuel H. Boardman State Scenic Corridor .

Catch sunset at Face Rock State Park and stay overnight in Coos Bay to explore the area. Devil’s Punchbowl State Park has an incredible sea cave that you can see from above.

Go hiking at Cape Lookout State Park and take in the impossibly turquoise water nearby in Netarts Bay . Tour the Tillamook Factory for a fun outing.

Don’t miss the forest walk to Short Sand Beach where all the surfers hit the waves. Iconic Haystack Rock at Cannon Beach is a must-see. End your journey in Astoria on the Columbia River or continue on to the Washington coast.

6. Oregon Scenic Byways

Venture inland on one of the Oregon Scenic Byways and you’ll be completely blown away. Oregon is best in summer but fall is absolutely gorgeous.

See incredible foliage in Silver Falls State Park and fun harvest festivals in the Willamette Valley and Mt Hood/Columbia River Gorge Area. Winter skiing at Mt. Hood and Mt. Bachelor in Oregon is also amazing.

Travel through the McKenzie Pass to the gorgeous Tamolitch Blue Pool and Proxy Falls. From there, it’s a quick drive to Smith Rock State Park, a premier destination for rock climbers and hikers alike.

It’s right near the active and fun city of Bend, Oregon . In addition to Mt Bachelor, you’ll find multiple lakes, the Deschutes River, Tumalo Falls, and tons of breweries.

RELATED POST: 10 BEST BOUTIQUE HOTELS IN BEND, OREGON

7. Olympic Peninsula in Washington (around 330 miles)

To enjoy nature and its beauty, take the Olympic Peninsula loop road trip. Start your adventure in the beautiful emerald city of Seattle .

Continue your way through the charming town of Port Townsend . Take a stroll through Sequim’s quaint streets – and its many lavender farms. 

Enjoy Olympic National Park and the stunning lakes within it. Drive to Hurricane Ridge for jaw-dropping views of the Olympic Mountains.

A must-see in the area is the Hoh Rainforest , one of Washington State’s natural wonders. Lastly, catch Neah Bay and the gorgeous Pacific Coast beaches before you end your trip.

8. Make Sure Alaska is on Your USA Bucket List – It’s Amazing!

A lot of people think of Alaska as a cruise destination but a 7 to 10 Day Alaskan Road Trip and spending time in Denali National Park is so much more exciting.

Kayak through iceberg lagoons, zipline through forests, see massive glaciers calve into the ocean, watch bears fishing for salmon, or fly around Denali, one of the tallest peaks in the world.

You may not think of Alaska as a year-round destination. While Alaska is at its prime in summer, don’t overlook the fall colors mid-September that coincide with the later end of the salmon run for those who want to fish.

Alaska is also a top spot for Northern Lights viewing between September and March.

9. A Southwest USA Road Trip Never Disappoints

There are many variations of a Southwest road trip and most involve really cool USA National Parks like Zion, Bryce, Arches, Grand Canyon, or White Sands.

Visit interesting Native American sites like Antelope Canyon, Monument Valley, and Havasupai.

See slot canyons, waterfalls, and more in Sedona, Arizona , Utah, Nevada, and New Mexico. The Southwest is visually stunning and full of fun activities.

Don’t miss the chance to Hike the Wave or White Pocket in Arizona. These are a few of the amazing things to do in Kanab on the Utah – Arizona border.

Spring and Fall are ideal for a Southwest road trip because it’s the best weather. In Spring, the waterfalls and wildflowers peak and you can catch some fall foliage around Taos, New Mexico, and many parts of Utah .

10. Route 66 is a Quintessential USA Road Trip

The full Route 66 road trip is 2,137 miles, filled with natural wonders and offbeat sightseeing, between Chicago, the Grand Canyon, and Los Angeles. Do the whole route (2 weeks) or just a portion like California and Arizona.

You can also take this route on a cross-country trip and veer off course to Durango, Colorado as we did. Route 66 starts at the Santa Monica Pier in Los Angeles and works its way through 7 states to Lake Michigan.

11. Florida Keys Road Trip From Miami to Key West is A Unique USA Experience (160 miles)

This road trip traverses the overseas highway, where 43 of 1,700 islands are connected by bridges, to the southernmost tip of Florida. You can drive from Fort Lauderdale or Miami to Key West in 4 hours.

Make the trip over a few days and stop at the 16 best stops from Miami to Key West .

The north end of the Florida Keys has Biscayne National Park with crystal clear blue water and the world’s 3rd largest coral reef system with lots of outdoor activities.

The peak time to visit the Florida Keys is from November through February when the weather is perfect in the 70s-80s, but it’s also the busiest and most expensive.

Spring travel from March through May still has nice weather without the crowds Fall weather is lovely but it’s also hurricane season, so make sure you have trip insurance in case you need to cancel.

12. The East Coast is Full of Great USA Trip Ideas for Summer or Fall

A favorite East Coast road trip is from Rhode Island up to Maine. It can be a romantic fall foliage trip or a great summer trip with kids.

Hit the beaches on Block Island , mansions in Newport, charming towns of Cape Cod, the Freedom Trail in Boston, lobstering in Maine, or hiking in Acadia National Park. Check it all out on a New England Road Trip with Teens .

A Southern East Coast road trip will take you from the beaches of Florida to the historic towns of Savannah and Charleston with many historic sites and countless antique shops or markets.

Myrtle Beach is a draw for so many recreational things to do. There are so many places to explore on the Eastern seaboard.

READ NEXT: THE ULTIMATE 7 DAY NEW ENGLAND ROAD TRIP ITINERARY FOR SUMMER OR FALL

13. Mid-South Road Trips

We did a short version of this trip through Tennessee where you can see the sights and sounds of Nashville, and whiskey tasting in Lynchburg and Chattanooga.

Add on the Blue Ridge Parkway through the Great Smoky Mountains for fall foliage and a trip to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina.

Incorporate coastal cities like Charleston and beautiful beach areas like the Outer Banks.

14. Lake Michigan Circle Tour is Amazing for Road Trippin’ the USA

This trip will take you through Michigan, Wisconsin, Illinois, and a bit of Indiana. It’s the prettiest summer trip that’s perfect for families and you can combine it with a Midwest college tour.

Chicago is such a cool city, especially in summer. If you’ve never been to Wisconsin, get it on your list ASAP for a summer or fall trip with foliage and Badger football at Camp Randall.

Don’t miss Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore and Sleeping Bear Dunes at the top of Michigan for beautiful beaches and stunning landscapes.

15. The Road to Hana is Definitely a Bucket List USA Trip

The famed Road to Hana in Maui is more of a long, scenic drive than a road trip. In 59 miles, you will want to stop at every waterfall, black sand beach , or viewpoint.

Another great Hawaiian drive on the big island of Hawaii from Hilo to Honokaa is Hamakua Coast Drive. Big wave season is from the end of October through March on the North Shore of Oahu.

We’ve been dying to see the 30-50 foot waves in person. Hawaii has year-round amazing weather.

15 Best National Parks to Visit in the USA

If you plan to visit more than one National Park, save money with an America the Beautiful National Park Pass . There is nothing better than getting out in nature, and there are so many great national parks to visit in the US.

16. Grand Canyon National Park in Arizona

There’s no place like the Grand Canyon. Whether you’re an experienced hiker or a first-time visitor, there’s no wrong way to experience this natural wonder.

For the truly adventurous, a hike to the bottom of the canyon is a must. The trailhead for the Bright Angel Trail is located near the visitor center, and hikers can choose between a day hike and an overnight camping trip.

There’s no better way to appreciate the scale of the canyon than by spending some time at its bottom.

For those who want to stay closer to the top, there are plenty of vantage points from which to take in the incredible views. Yavapai Point and Mather Point are two of the most popular viewpoints.

The Grand Canyon Skywalk is a see-through cantilever bridge that takes you out over the edge of Grand Canyon West.

Combine the Grand Canyon with the best places to visit in Arizona like Sedona, Page, and Monument Valley,

17. Arches National Park in Moab, Utah

Arches National Park is full of, well, arches! The most famous of these is Delicate Arch, which has been featured on everything from postcards to Utah license plates.

But there are plenty of other arches to explore in the park, including Double Arch (shown above) and Sand Dune Arch, among others.

Of course, you can also enjoy the stunning natural scenery or stargaze in one of the darkest skies in the country.

For those who want to get closer to nature, there are plenty of hikes to explore, ranging from easy nature trails to challenging multi-day treks.

Arches National Park definitely deserves a spot on your Utah Bucket List .

18. Canyonlands National Parks in Moab, Utah

A visit to Canyonlands National Park can be a series of scenic drives and mind-blowing views or filled with incredible hiking and off road adventures.

With over 400 miles of hiking trails, there is sure to be a route that appeals to everyone, from casual walkers to hardcore adventurers.

No visit to Canyonlands would be complete without a trip to one of its three major attractions: Mesa Arch, The Needles, or Dead Horse Point State Park.

You can stay in Moab to visit both Canyonlands and Arches National Parks. Without having an airport nearby, you will probably want to see other parks on your way there like Zion.

We put together a video of our Utah top 10 and a 20 Must See Places in Utah blog post with even more.

19. Bryce Canyon National Park

Bryce Canyon National Park is one of the most beautiful places on earth. With its red rock formations, hoodoos, and stunning views.

From above, the Bryce Amphitheater is a USA bucket list sight. There are multiple viewpoints to watch the sunset or enjoy a picnic lunch.

But the real treat is spending one Day in Bryce Canyon National Park and hiking down into the towering hoodoos.

The Navajo Loop Trail is one of the most popular trails, winding through some of the most beautiful parts of the canyon, including Wall Street. You will be surrounded by high walls of red rock and if you’re lucky, you might even see some wildlife.

20. Zion National Park

With over four million visitors each year, Zion National Park has some of the best sights in America. The park features sandstone cliffs, canyons, rivers, and iconic views that you’ve probably seen in tons of photos.

With one day in Zion National Park , you can take a short hike on the Canyon Overlook trail and then take a scenic drive that will blow you away with its beauty.

With more time, you can take advantage of the many bucket list USA adventures in Zion. Wade through the river on the Narrows hike with 1,500-foot canyon walls towering above you.

Or get your adrenaline fill on the Angels Landing hike that takes you to the top of a 1,488-foot tall rock formation along precarious paths and steep drop-offs.

Visiting Zion is only one of the completely awesome things to do in Kanab and Southwest Utah .

21. Rocky Mountain National Park in Colorado

Rocky Mountain National Park is home to an incredible amount of natural beauty, including soaring mountains, pristine lakes, and lush forests.

And while there are countless ways to enjoy the park, one of the most popular activities is hiking. With more than 350 miles of trails, there’s a perfect hike for everyone.

Dream Lake and Emerald Lake are the best hiking spots for beginners. With shorter trails and lakes with beautiful reflections, these are highly popular.

A must-do hike for those that want a great workout is Sky Pond. Serious hikers head for Long’s Peak, the biggest challenge at 14,259 feet.

22. Yosemite National Park in California

Tucked away in California’s Sierra Nevada Mountains, Yosemite National Park is one of the world’s most incredible natural landscapes immortalized in Ansel Adams photographs.

With more than 1,200 square miles to explore, there are plenty of sights worth seeing in this national treasure.

Catch sunrise lighting up soaring granite cliffs of El Capitan and Half Dome from Tunnel View. Then head to the thundering waterfalls of Yosemite Valley and picturesque hiking trails.

In February, catch the bucket list moment when Horsetail Falls lights up from the sunset to create the “firefall.”

Our 2 Days in Yosemite Itinerary will give you all the best things to do in the park along with where to stay and how to get around.

23. Death Valley National Park

Death Valley is a place of extremes. It is the hottest, driest, and lowest point in North America. But it is also one of the most beautiful places on earth. Here are some of the best things to do in Death Valley National Park.

One of the most popular things to do in Death Valley is visit the Mesquite Flat Sand Dunes. These massive dunes are a great place to hike, sled, or simply take in the majestic views.

For another dose of natural beauty, head to Zabriskie Point for a sunset that you won’t soon forget. Another must-see are the Salt Flats at Badwater Basin.

Whether you’re looking for adventure or simply want to marvel at some of Mother Nature’s finest work, Death Valley National Park should be at the top of your list.

24. Joshua Tree National Park in California

Joshua Tree is the most low key, surprisingly wonderful national parks. It is named after the trees native to the region, and it consists of 760,000 acres.

More than 2,500 species live in this area making it one of the most biodiverse regions in North America.

We highly recommend doing a little slow travel here. You can go rock climbing, take hikes, see stars at night like you’ve never seen before or take in the vibe at a cool Airbnb.

Check out the best things to do in Joshua Tree for a weekend getaway or as part of a California road trip.

25. Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming

Yellowstone National Park is home to some of the most stunning scenery in the country, including glaciers, mountains, waterfalls, hot springs and more than 200 species of animals.

On a 3 day Yellowstone itinerary , wildlife watching should be at the top of your list. Lamar Valley, full of bison, is so exciting that it creates a traffic jam in the park every day.

The park’s many geothermal areas are showstoppers including the world-famous Old Faithful geyser that erupts every 90 minutes. See the Grand Prismatic Spring, the largest hot spring in the US, at ground level or from above on a nearby hike.

If you’re looking for an active adventure, you can go whitewater rafting on the Yellowstone River or hike through Yellowstone’s Grand Canyon.

26. Grand Teton National Park

At next-door neighbor Grand Teton National National Park, you can boat, float, fish, hike and camp with the Teton mountain range and Snake River as your backdrop.

The 42 mile scenic drive will take you past some of the most stunning scenery in the park. Make sure to stop at Mormon Row, the historic district of well-preserved late 19th century homesteads.

Next, head to Jenny Lake for a peaceful canoe or kayak ride. This is a great way to take in the incredible views of the Tetons while getting some exercise.

If you’re feeling ambitious, hike up to Inspiration Point and Hidden Falls. This trail is moderate to strenuous, but it’s definitely worth it for the stunning views of Jenny Lake and the Tetons beyond.

There’s so much to see and do in Grand Teton National Park, you could easily spend days here and never get bored.

27. Glacier National Park in Montana

Glacier National Park has over 1 million acres of wilderness and some of the most jaw dropping scenery. It’s a hiker’s paradise but you’ll also find other adventures like whitewater rafting, photographing wildlife, kayaking, fishing and more.

Don’t miss the drive up Going-to-the-Sun Road, which bisects the park from east to west.

The road climbs over 6,000 feet (1829 m) in just 52 miles (84 km), providing motorists with spectacular views of the Rocky Mountains and Glacier National Park.

Visit 3 National Parks on One Trip to Glacier National Park, Yellowstone and Grand Tetons. They’re all driving distance from each other and each one offers something unique.

28. Acadia National Park

A trip up to Maine is so worth it for a chance to see Acadia National Park. It’s home to some of the best hiking trails in New England with plenty of scenic views and easy hikes.

Or if you’re feeling adventurous, try one of their more challenging trails like South Bubble Trail or Mt. Cadillac North Ridge Trail!

If you’re not up for a hike there is still plenty to do at Acadia National Park with many different activities including camping, biking, canoeing or kayaking on Echo Lake Lake, rock climbing, and bird watching.

Don’t miss the delicious popovers at the restaurant overlooking Jordan Pond!

29. Kenai Fjords National Park in Alaska

Kenai Fjords National Park is one of the most beautiful and underrated places in Alaska.

Some of the best things to do in Seward & Kenai Fjords National Park include a hike to Exit Glacier, iceberg kayaking in Bear Glacier Lagoon and a whale watching trip to see incredible marine life along with massive calving glaciers.

Alaska has 8 National parks and each features magnificent landscapes and activities. No matter which you choose, you’re guaranteed an amazing Alaskan experience!

30. Hawaii Volcanoes National Park

Hawaii Volcanoes National Park on the Big Island of Hawaii is home to 2 of the world’s most active volcanoes.

Take the Crater Rim Drive to the Jaggar Museum overlook, hike the Kīlauea Iki Trail and through the rain forest to the Thurston Lava Tube, and have a bucket list dinner overlooking the crater at The Rim at Volcano House.

10 Cities That Deserve a Spot on Your USA Bucket List

31. New York City, New York

New York is a city of endless possibilities. It’s the world capital of finance, fashion, media, and culture. Start your New York trip with a walk in Central Park, followed by a visit to the Met.

New York’s museums are world class and the Guggenheim is another of New York’s most iconic attractions.

Don’t miss a Broadway show in Times Square and the Empire State Building, if it’s your first trip to the the Big Apple.

Hit the latest restaurants in Greenwich Village, shop in Soho, get out on the water to visit Lady Liberty and time travel at the TWA hotel . If you visit in September , you can also see all the excitement of New York Fashion Week.

32. Los Angeles, California

Los Angeles is a great city with so much more to do than most visitors realize. In addition to the amazing Southern California beaches , the mountains are filled with incredible hiking trails .

Los Angeles is a great city for foodies with insanely good restaurants to see and be seen. And the scenic drives in LA are like movies in real life.

Spend your days at one of the latest museum exhibits or take your kids to a theme park. Wander around downtown LA checking out all the cool street art.

Shop for a great outfit or home decor that reflects cool California style. Just avoid the 15 biggest mistakes when visiting Los Angeles .

33. Washington DC

Washington D.C. is a city that offers something for everyone. From the history and culture of the Smithsonian museums (there are 19 of them!) to the nightlife and restaurants of Georgetown, there’s plenty to do and see in this vibrant city.

Take a walk or bike ride through the National Mall to see the monuments and memorials, including the Washington Monument, Lincoln Memorial, and Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial.

If you plan ahead and request a tour through your member of Congress, you might get lucky enough to tour the White House. Stay in a DC hotel with a rooftop pool for extra fun.

34. San Francisco, California

San Francisco is one of the most unique and best places to visit in the USA. Take a walk across the iconic Golden Gate Bridge to get a view of the San Francisco Bay.

We recommend getting a view from water level too. Follow it up with a trip to Alcatraz Island, probably the only time you’ll visit a prison as a tourist attraction.

Chinatown, one of the oldest and biggest in the US, is a great place to try Dim Sum. Of course you have to ride a cable car over one of the steep city streets.

Visit Coit Tower for another great viewpoint. Spend some time in the Marina at the Palace of Fine Arts, Crissy Field and the Presidio.

35. Chicago, Illinois

Chicago is a fantastic city to visit – especially in good weather. Millennium Park is home to the famous Cloud Gate sculpture, as well as a variety of gardens and performance venues.

The Art Institute of Chicago is one of the largest art museums in the world, and a must visit. Even though it’s super touristy, it’s fun to catch a cruise at Navy Pier to tour Chicago’s incredible architecture.

If baseball is in season, you should definitely catch a Cubs game at Wrigley Field. Hit Michigan Avenue lined for the best high-end shops.

Last but not least, while you’ll probably go to the famous long standing restaurants in Chicago, don’t miss one of the cutting edge restaurants in the city.

36. Boston, Massachusettes

Boston is a city of many firsts from the country’s oldest public park, Boston Common to Harvard, America’s oldest University. Many of Boston’s historical buildings can be seen by taking a stroll on the Freedom trail including Paul Revere’s house. 

Faneuil Hall, the site of America’s first town meeting is a bustling marketplace today. Stop in Quincy market for a bite to eat and take in the vibrant energy of Boston.

Art enthusiasts will enjoy Boston’s Museum of Fine Arts, the largest in North America. Sports lovers should catch a Red Rox game at Fenway. Finally, don’t forget to get a peek of the Charles River, where you might see some collegiate crews rowing.

Plan an extra day or two when you visit because there are plenty of great day trips from Boston too.

37. New Orleans, Louisiana

With major events like Mardi Gras, the Jazz Festival, and others, New Orleans is one of the best places to vacation in the United States.

Watch street performers at Jackson Square and admire their impressive skills. Hop on a streetcar and discover all the fun and wild parts of New Orleans, including St. Charles Avenue, the Garden District, and Uptown New Orleans. 

Visit the French Quarter, packed with museums, art galleries, restaurants, and of course notorious bars. Since New Orleans is a foodie paradise, you have to try beignets from Cafe du Monde!

Other yummy favorites – the original Muffaletta from Central Grocery Deli, and hot dogs from Dat Dog. Don’t leave the Big Easy without meals at Commander’s Palace and Jacques-Imo’s.

Those who don’t mind venturing outside the city (approximately 1-hour drive) should discover some of the best southern plantation estates in the country, such as Laura Plantation, New Orleans Oak Alley Plantation, and San Francisco Plantation.

An airboat tour in the Bayou is another great day trip and one of the most memorable, super fun things we’ve done in Louisiana.

38. Miami, Florida

Dreaming of a beach getaway? Miami’s blend of different cultures creates the ultimate destination for entertainment. Loved for its spectacular beaches and vibrant art scene, the coastal metropolis has something to offer for everyone. 

Stop by South Beach – the most iconic area in Miami. Wander through its beautiful Art Deco District to enjoy a sprinkle of 1930’s nostalgia.

Spend the day soaking up rays and cool beach vibes. Whenever hunger kicks in, stop by Bayside Market has a lively atmosphere while enjoy views of the bay. 

To get your daily dose of culture, plan a visit to one of Miami’s greatest treasures – the Vizcaya Museum and Gardens, which offers a little taste of Europe with its elegant furniture. 

Other great Miami beaches include Surfside for postcard-worthy vistas and Sunny Isles Beach to be in the midst of all action. There is no doubt the coastal metropolis is one of the most fun USA places to explore.

39. Charleston, South Carolina

From charming cobblestone streets and antebellum architecture to world-class restaurants and lively nightlife – Charleston is surely one of the best US destinations.

Take a ghost tour in the oldest and most haunted city in America, with over 100 recognized otherworldly beings.

A trip to the Lowcountry would be incomplete without shopping for antiques and visiting high-end boutiques on King Street, which also has fantastic restaurants and bars. 

Join the locals for seafood at Chubby Fish or rev up your taste buds with a delicious cheddar and jalapeno biscuit from Callie’s Hot Little Biscuit.

Stop by the Charleston Farmers Market, which is considered one of the best in the South. Not only will you get your hands on amazing produce, but you may even catch a live performance.

Sullivan’s Island beach should be on your itinerary too. Although it is the smallest of Charleston’s beaches, it is the most pristine.

40. Seattle, Washington

Consistently ranked among the ten best places to live in the United States, Seattle’s coffee culture, grunge music scene, and lush evergreen forests will charm you too.

Visit the top of the Space Needle – an iconic part of Seattle’s skyline with 360 degree views. While in the area, have crispy pancakes at Paju or delicious ramen at Cafe Goldinblack.

Set aside some time to explore one of the country’s most famous public markets – Pike Place Market. Then, take the commuter ferry across Puget Sound to Bainbridge Island and discover the stunning city from a new perspective.

For culture freaks, paying a visit to the Museum of Pop Culture – MoPop – is a must. One of the most beautiful libraries in America can be found at the University of Washington’s Suzzalo Library, which feels exactly like Hogwarts.

With endless opportunities to have fun, there is no doubt Seattle is one of the coolest USA places to visit.

Vanlife, RVs, Camping or Glamping for USA Adventure Trips

The type of accommodations you choose for your trip can actually be part of the adventure all on it’s own. Rent a converted Sprinter van or RV to be your home AND transportation on a USA road trip.

Stay in a luxurious Glamping tent to add extra pizazz to your vacation. Or enjoy nature and pitch a tent. It’s more rustic but super fun with your friends and family.

41. USA Glamping Trips

Accommodations range from luxurious to rustic in permanent tent structures, cabins, teepees, chuck wagons, dome tents, yurts and tree houses. We LOVE glamping!!

Glamping in Big Sur under massive redwood trees in a king bed with an electric blanket and a push button campfire is right up my alley.

It’s one of the coolest glamping destinations in California . There are a ton of options!

We’ve glamped in Sonoma near vineyards, at El Capitan near Solvang , at Autocamp in a airstream trailer and more. Glamping with kids is really fun too!

42. Tent Camping Trips in the USA

I was so nervous to do our first tent camping trip at Crater Lake National Park in Oregon but it was a blast.

We took the dogs and piled in with an amazing 4″ memory foam mattress that made our inexpensiv e awesome tent so cozy! Obviously you can only have that much gear when you’re not far from your car.

We did it again on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land to watch Speed Week on the Bonneville Salt Flats in Utah. That was even better because the ground was hard packed salt (basically no dirt).

If you’ve never been to Crater Lake or Bonneville Salt Flats , get them on your USA bucket list. They are both jaw droppingly cool! There are incredible places to tent camp all over the USA.

43. Backpacking Trips in the USA

Backpacking, as the name implies involves a hike to a remote area, where you carry everything you need on your back – like food, water and shelter.

Since you are carrying everything, you have to really conserve on the amount of weight. It’s also important to follow the leave no trace behind principles .

We planned our first backpacking trip to Havasupai and we can’t wait! That amazing blue water at Havasu Falls has been on our USA bucket list for years now.

In addition to Havasupai, the other beginner backpacking trips that are on our USA bucket list are the Lost Coast Trail and John Muir Trail in California, the Point of Arches Trail in Olympic National Park, Washington, and the Golden Cathedral in Escalante, Utah.

44. Rent a Converted Sprinter Van

Campervan photos on Instagram make everyone swoon. There’s something about the idea of opening up the door to an incredible view and living life completely free.

A sprinter van allows you to have a mini RV that goes anywhere and off the grid if there’s solar power.

We rented a sprinter van for a Utah road trip on Outdoorsy. Honestly it was so much more fun than we expected.

So…. we bought one and did our own sprinter van conversion that you can see in the photo above. Use JEN50 to get $50 off your first Outdoorsy rental.

If you decide to do a van or RV road trip, we made a list of 30 Campervan Gadgets and Accessories that would have greatly enhanced our experience.

45. RV for a USA Road Trip

I have a friend that goes RV camping and I’ll be honest, I thought it was 100% not for me but I’m starting to rethink my position.

There’s so much space and some of them are seriously luxurious. The obvious benefit to an RV is that it holds more people, so it’s better for a family trip than a campervan.

A good RV Resort has a cool location, full hook ups, activities available and restaurants too.

Twelvemile Beach Campground at Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore in Michigan sits on a gorgeous beach near lots of great things to do. Salmon River Campground in Stanley, Idaho is quite a scenic area too.

Active Trip Ideas in the USA

Having a chance to take an active trip really makes it feel like a true vacation. It can be such a departure from everyday life and a way to disconnect from all of our electronic devices.

Whether you love water sports, Yoga retreats, or exploring backcountry wilderness on foot, the USA has tons of active trips available.

46. Lake Vacations are Very Popular USA Summer Trips

Lake vacations are a great way to relax and get away from the hustle and bustle of city life. Enjoy beautiful scenery, fresh air, and plenty of outdoor activities.

Some of the best lake vacations in the USA can be found in states such as California, Oregon, Michigan, Minnesota, Wisconsin, and Colorado.

Check out the 10 Best Southern California Lakes for a weekend gateway.

These states are home to some of America’s most picturesque lakes, which offer plenty of opportunities for swimming, fishing, boating, hiking and skiing.

47. USA Kayak Trips

If you like kayaking, you can find some amazing USA trip ideas in this post with the Best Kayaking and Canoe Trips in the USA .

A few of our favorites include iceberg kayaking in Alaska , lake kayaking and floating down the Deschutes River in Oregon, and kayaking along the bays of the Northern California Coast.

The Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Wisconsin features beautiful islands and cliffs, and is perfect for kayaking trips of all lengths.

True adventurers should try kayaking down the Colorado River through the Grand Canyon. This trip will test your skills as a kayaker, but it’s definitely worth the effort!

48. Canoe Trips

Canoe and kayak trips have a lot in common but since a canoe can carry more gear, canoe trips make great overnight adventures.

One of the best canoe trips in the US is the Boundary Waters Canoe Area Wilderness in Minnesota. This area is full of pristine lakes and rivers, and campgrounds to stay overnight.

Another great park for canoeing is Grand Teton National Park . The park has several beautiful rivers and lakes, and it’s also home to some of the most impressive mountain ranges in the country. Glacier National Park is another top spot.

49. Whitewater Rafting Trips

There are many great whitewater rafting trips in the USA. With a wide variety of rapids there are trips that will thrill both beginners and experienced rafters.

The Rocky Mountains in Colorado make for some of the most thrilling whitewater rafting in the country. California offers a wealth of options for whitewater rafting trips.

The American River is one of the most popular destinations and offers everything from mild Class II rapids to heart-stopping Class V rapids.

Oars is a great outfitter with so many rafting trip options on the Green river (shown above), the Colorado River , Salmon River , Rogue River , Snake River and more.

50. Winter Ski and Snowboard Trips

There are a plethora of awesome ski and snowboard destinations in the United States. The best quality snow can be found in Colorado, Utah, Wyoming, Idaho, Oregon and California.

Vail , Colorado is a world-class resort with stunning mountain scenery and plenty of slopes for all levels of skiers and snowboarders.

Another great destination is Aspen , which offers superb skiing on four mountains as well as luxurious accommodations and fine dining.

Utah is also a great place to ski, with five world-class resorts including Park City and Deer Valley .

The Sundance Film Festival in the end of January is one of Hollywood’s favorite USA trips in winter. Idaho’s Sun Valley and Wyoming’s Jackson Hole are also at the top of every skier’s list.

California has skiing up and down the state . Mammoth Mountain is one of the top rated family friendly resorts. Big Bea r is a favorite in Southern California where you can surf and ski in the same day

51. Biking Trips to Add to Your USA Bucket List

Biking is a great way to see the sights while getting some exercise. And there are plenty of scenic biking trails all across the United States.

Whether you do a family biking trip with an outfitter like Backroads, or a longer distance ride, it will definitely be a memorable experience.

The Green Mountains in Vermont offer the Catamount Trail , a 300-mile long trail that traverses the length of the state, making it perfect for a multi-day biking trip.

For a bit of history along your ride, pedal along the Chesapeake & Ohio Canal National Historical Park in Maryland . This 184.5-mile long trail follows an old canal towpath and passes through towns, forests, and along the Potomac River.

Some other must-do, incredible view rides include Pacific Coast Highway in Big Sur, the Going to the Sun Road in Glacier National Park, the Flume Trail in Lake Tahoe, the Swamp Rabbit Trail in Greenville, NC, the McKenzie River Trail in Bend, and Trail 401 in Crested Butte, Colorado.

52. USA Bucket List for Birding

If you’re a bird lover, or you’ve seen The Big Year , you know that people definitely plan travel around birding. The USA is home to an incredible diversity of birdlife.

There are plenty of hotspots where you can see some truly spectacular feathered friends like the Alabama Coastal Birding Trail with over 370 species.

The Rio Grande Valley Birding Festival is one of the best birding events in the country, attracting tens of thousands of enthusiasts every year.

Brooklyn’s Prospect Park is another great spot for birdwatching, with over 200 species of birds recorded in the park.

The Biggest Week in American Birding Festival is held each year in Ohio, and it’s one of the biggest birding events in the world. Over 300 species make their way to the Great White North all the way from South America.

Other places that should be on your birding bucket list include Point Reyes National Seashore, Tuscon, Arizona, Everglades National Park, and Cape May, New Jersey,

Bucket List USA Photography Tours

Tourists flock to the USA in droves, eager to snap photos of iconic landmarks like the Statue of Liberty and the Golden Gate Bridge. But there’s so much more to this country than those two things.

From the majestic mountains of Alaska to the red rocks of Arizona, the USA is a photographer’s paradise. Here are four of the best Photo Tours in the USA that should be on your bucket list.

53. Alaska Northern Lights

One of nature’s most spectacular displays, the Northern Lights are a must-see for any photographer. And what better place to see them than in Alaska, where they are at their brightest?

There are few things more breathtaking than watching the skies light up in a shifting display of colors.

Northern Lights tours typically take place during the winter months, when the nights are long and the air is clear. You’ll have plenty of opportunities to get that perfect photo, whether you’re using a DSLR camera or your phone.

Dress for temperatures that can dip below zero. But it will be worth it when you end up with some amazing photos that you’ll treasure for a lifetime.

54. Alaskan Bear Photo Tour

Alaska is well-known for its large population of bears, and a bear photo tour is the perfect way to get up close and personal with these majestic creatures.

One of the most unique photo tours you can do in the USA is to Arctic Alaska to get eye to eye with polar bears .

Plan on spending between 3-6 days, where you’ll take boat tour each day to capture the bears in their natural habitat while learning about their behavior and ecology.

During summer join a wildlife photographer for a brown bear photo tour in King Salmon. It’s a trip of a lifetime to be able to see the bears feeding during the salmon run and interacting in the wild.

55. Channel Your Inner Ansel Adams in Yosemite

For those who love to take photos, Yosemite National Park is a veritable paradise. From the grandeur of Half Dome and El Capitan to the majesty of Yosemite Falls, there are endless opportunities for breathtaking shots.

And with a little planning, it’s easy to make the most of your time in the park. The first step is to choose the right tour. There are many different companies that offer photo tours of Yosemite, so it’s important to do your research.

Once you’ve found a tour that suits your needs, it’s time to start planning your itinerary. Depending on the time of year, you’ll want to make sure to include shots of Tunnel View, the Valley floor, Glacier Point, and Tuolumne Meadows.

56. Astrophotography in a Dark Sky Park

If you’re an amateur astronomer looking for the best place to snap some pictures of the night sky, you need a spot with no light pollution and the right atmospheric conditions.

There are a few places that tend to be ideal for astrophotography, such as Death Valley National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Mauna Kea in Hawaii, Great Smoky Mountains National Park in Tennessee and Big Bend National Park in Texas.

Utah has incredible spots like Canyonlands and honestly plenty of spots if you just pull off the road somewhere desolate.

These locations offer dark skies and minimal light pollution, making them ideal for capturing clear images of the stars and planets. So if you’re planning a trip to see the night sky in all its glory, be sure to add these parks to your list!

Equipment to Take Magnificent Photos on Vacation:

• Splurge on a full format camera and learn how to use it with your professional photo tour guide. Get a super telephoto lens for wildlife photography or a 10 stop filter that costs almost nothing and makes stunning, smooth waterfall shots.
• Get a drone , learn how to fly it and capture cool photos and videos. It was our best purchase ever!
• A GoPro offers unlimited fun potential. Strap it onto your kid’s bike helmet, put it on a surfboard, or use it for great wide angle shots. Add an underwater dome and take super cool above and below water photos.

Best Places to Visit in the USA By Season

57. Fall US Trips for Autumn Fun, Foliage and Less Crowds

The obvious choice for an Autumn trip is to New England for fall foliage from mid September to the beginning of October. but you can find incredible fall colors and harvest festivals all over the country.

Check the Farmer’s Almanac for peak foliage dates by state. Notable states with vibrant color include Virginia, North Carolina, Michigan, Colorado, and Oregon.

Another great trip idea for fall are places that are way too busy in summer like Yellowstone, Great Smoky Mountains and the Utah Mighty 5.

New York City is perfection in fall from the excitement of Fashion Week to enjoying the delightful weather in Central Park. Albuquerque hosts Balloon Fiesta in October that is a colorful sight to see.

58. Winter Trips for Sun and Snow

If you’re dreaming of a winter getaway, there’s no shortage of destinations in the USA that offer the perfect combination of snow and fun.

New York, is hands down one of the best places to visit in December . You can experience all the excitement of the city that never sleeps, with the added bonus of the festive holiday season.

Take a stroll through Central Park, go ice skating at Rockefeller Center, and wrap up warm and enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through the snow-covered streets.

From the world famous slopes of Aspen to the majestic mountains of Colorado, there’s no shortage of great places to hit the slopes. And while you could easily spend a fortune on a luxury ski trip, there are plenty of budget-friendly options as well.

If winter sun is your jam, Hawaii is the perfect place to relax and escape the cold. San Diego has great weather year round and plenty of fun activities.

With sandy beaches and turquoise water, there’s no question why snowbirds spend the winter in Florida. And don’t forget Arizona for golf,

59. Flowers and Celebrations Make the Best USA Trip ideas for Spring

If you want to see cherry blossoms , head to Washington DC. Tulips abound in Holland, Michigan and Skagit Valley, Washington.

California poppies, Texas bluebonnets and Azizona’s desert blooms will make your heart sing. When Spring has sprung, it can make the grumpiest person happy.

Spring is also a great time for festivals. New Orleans is one big party from February to May. Austin, Texas hosts South by Southwest in March while California has Coachella in April .

Spring break in Alabama , Florida, Mississippi and Texas at the beach is also highly popular!

60. Summer is a Great Time to Take your USA Road Trips North

Summer is a great time for road trips in America and it is also a common time for people to take off from work.

As a general rule of thumb, the northern states are at their best while the southern ones are drowning in heat and/or humidity.

The states that are the best to visit in summer are Washington, Oregon, California, Colorado, Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, Illinois, Rhode Island, Vermont, Maine, Hawaii and Alaska.

61. Staycations for the Best Places to Visit in the USA Near Home

A staycation is the cop out of vacation ideas unless you really do it right. Take the week off of work and look at your home town as a vacation destination. What do all the people do that are tourists in your area? Better yet, what are the coolest places in your area that tourists don’t know about. Pro Tips: Stay at a hotel and make an itinerary so you aren’t tempted to keep up with real life distractions.

5 Cool Things to do on a Staycation

• See museums, go to a play, or visit interesting cultural events. A staycation is the perfect time to support the arts.
• Do a day trip of an area 1-2 hours away that you’ve never been to or haven’t seen in years. Head to a lake near you and spend some time enjoying lake life.
• Eat out every night at restaurants you’re really wanted to try. Have breakfast at a cool restaurant way across town.
• Stay at the newest hotel in your area that’s the talk of the town. We live in Los Angeles so it’s really easy to feel like you’re going on vacation 30 miles away because it can take 2 hours to get there. Haha!! For us, staying in a hotel across town would open up a world of possibilities we never touch.
• Go hiking , take a long bike ride, or take advantage of an exercise class you’ve heard about. Take up a new sport you’ve wanted to try like rowing , stand up paddle boarding (SUP), surfing or a boot camp and kickstart your fitness regime.

Other Posts You Might Like:

• TRAVEL:  The Best Places to Travel in March
• ARIZONA: Visiting Sedona for Hiking and the Sedona Vortex
• CALIFORNIA: Joshua Tree Weekend Getaway Guide
• ALASKA: Alaska Summer Road Trip Itinerary

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23 comments.

Awesome list, you can also discover the charm of New Hampshire’s autumnal beauty and diverse attractions as you seek the best places to travel to in November.

Thank you Jennifer for the details of every place, I really love the photos

acevisiontreks

Thank you for sharing your USA travel ideas for adventure outdoor activities. Your post is really helpful.

Ganesh Adhikari

Thank you so much for listing the USA trip ideas. Love your post, Beautiful Pictures, and informative article for the outdoor travel guide.

Great to know all this about USA, Appreciate your great job Thanks

Ok, wow. Let’s just say that my bucket list has grown significantly after reading this! Thank you so much for sharing!

Just pinned! I will never need to think of where to go on vacations. Thank you for sharing such great places that I definitely need to visit.

So glad! Hope you have some great trips coming up!

Big Sur to San Diego is the most incredible road trip you will ever take. Or if I would say it correctly, it’s actually… San Diego up to Big Sur! I live in San Diego and I’ve personally done this before and the PCH and all the views up the coast is absolutely incredible. Totally amazing and probably one of the best ‘drives’ you will ever take. I can’t think of a better road trip you could ever possibly take, if you visit San Diego, consider taking a drive up the coast on the Pacific Coast Highway (PCH) up to Big Sur. This article totally nailed it.

Amazing blog, Please keep on writing blogs like this.

MP Allegaert

My bucket list has just exploded!

michele linton

I just loved this post! The photos are amazing, and now I feel inspired to get my road trip on! Thanks Jennifer!

Thanks Michele! There are so many great road trips to take in the US. Hope you get to venture out soon.

Hilda Smith

This is incredible information and I am following your vlog/videos too. Love your camper van in Utah. You two are brilliant. Not sure I would be able for that heat.

Thank you so much Hilda! We weren’t very excited about that heat either 😂

Gwen Gottlieb

So many fabulous suggestions! I just made a new bucket list! We’ve done just a few so plenty to add to the list. I think I’d be the glamping type! As long as I can bring my blow dryer!

So glad you found new things to add to your bucket list. You can definitely use your blow dryer when you go glamping 😉

Adrian Grant

So beautiful! Excited to see where the road will lead you in your new adventure 😊

I LOVE this!!!

These are really amazing and fun ideas dear!

I want to do Route 66, Pacific Northwest and the California coast road trips!

Jennifer Effortlessly Sophisticated

All 3 of those are so much fun!

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23 Incredible Road Trips in the U.S.

Whether you’re looking for sweeping views of the pacific ocean or a multiday adventure through national parks, these road trips provide plenty of opportunities to explore the united states..

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Glacier National Park is one of many scenic places you can visit on an American road trip.

Photo by Zack Frank / Shutterstock

In a country as large as the United States, there’s no shortage of destinations and detours to explore by car . Whether your idea of the perfect American road trip entails an epic, cross-country journey or a shorter jaunt through a few of its most iconic national parks , your options are as large and varied as the country itself.

Even if you don’t have the time to drive cross-country, there are plenty of road trip routes (ranging from three days to a week or longer): classic California itineraries , New England routes that shine especially well in the fall, scenic East Coast adventures, and a variety of Midwest journeys for folks farther from the coasts.

No matter your mode of transportation—be it van, RV, motorcycle, or four-door sedan—these are 21 of the best road trips in the nation to consider.

Plan your next Route 66 trip around thirst-quenching stops.

Photo by Peek Creative Collective/Shutterstock

There are many ways to do a cross-country road trip in the USA, but these two itineraries will take you through some truly iconic American places.

1. Chicago to Los Angeles: A Whiskey Road Trip on Route 66

It doesn’t get more American than a 2,000-mile drive along the entirety of Route 66. There are endless ways to take this legendary trip (including an EV version —but to take your cross-country road trip to the next level, we recommend exploring another American pastime: whiskey.

Starting in Chicago and ending in L.A., you’ll stop by some of the leading craft distilleries in the United States, like Few Spirits in Chicago, Still 630 in St. Louis, and Red Fork Distillery in Tulsa. In between tastings, make time for detours to natural attractions, like the Grand Canyon, and quirky roadside curiosities, like Cadillac Ranch in Amarillo, Texas. Just remember to drink responsibly—this is a road trip after all.

Plan your trip

The full itinerary: Put a New Twist on Route 66—Make It an American Whiskey Road Trip

No cars are allowed on Mackinac Island, so you need to park before taking the ferry to this spot.

Photo from Shutterstock

2. Bangor, Maine, to Seattle, Washington: The Great Northern on U.S. Route 2

Covering both the U.S. and Canada, a cross-country trip along U.S. 2 is ideal for anyone who wants to experience the vast diversity and expansiveness of North America. This drive runs the entire top border of the U.S. and showcases otherworldly natural wonders like Acadia National Park in Maine, the Apostle Islands National Lakeshore in Wisconsin, and Mackinac Island in Michigan. The route also passes through Canada, taking road-trippers through Ontario into Quebec—this route may focus on nature, but you won’t want to miss a stop in Montreal or Ottawa.

You’ll also get to explore Montana and Glacier National Park ( reservations may be required ) before passing the Columbia Plateau and ending in the Pacific Northwest’s largest city, Seattle. Don’t miss spending time in the Olympic Peninsula (home to Olympic National Park) for a peek at one of the most scenic places on the West Coast.

3. Dana Point to San Francisco: Driving California’s Pacific Coast Highway

The seemingly endless views of the Pacific Ocean along Highway 1 (also known as the Pacific Coast Highway) are what road trip dreams are made of, and exactly what makes this California road trip so popular. However, with so many stops along the 655-mile stretch, we pulled together a list of the ones well worth pulling over to view. Don’t miss the perfect surfing waves in Santa Cruz, seasonal cuisine in Malibu, an afternoon a the boardwalk in Santa Monica, or a night in Big Sur as you drive between Dana Point (just south of Los Angeles) and San Francisco.

• The full itinerary: The Best Stops for a Road Trip on the Pacific Coast Highway
• The AFAR Guide to San Francisco

The seaside town of Monterey was the setting for John Steinbeck’s Cannery Row .

Photo by Denise Lett/Shutterstock

4. Big Sur to Mono County: A Literary Road Trip Through Northern California

Yes, this itinerary requires you actually put down your book to drive, but seeing some of the pivotal places that shaped American authors will be so worth it. Follow in the footsteps of writers like Jack Kerouac, Maya Angelou, and Amy Tan on this road trip that takes you through literary landmarks in Northern California, such as Caffe Trieste, a meeting place for Jack Kerouac, Allen Ginsberg, Alan Watts, and other bohemian writers and thinkers. This 12-stop itinerary is perfect if you live in the San Francisco Bay Area because you’ll be able to stay make these trips in one or two days.

The full itinerary: The California Road Trip All Book Lovers Should Take

Arizona may take its nickname from the Grand Canyon, but the state has far more natural wonders than just that one.

Courtesy of Shutterstock

5. Phoenix to the Grand Canyon: An Iconic Arizona Road Trip

This 240-mile Arizona road trip takes travelers along some of the state’s most iconic highlights, including its most famous one, the Grand Canyon. A great itinerary for first-time visitors and returning travelers alike, it offers plenty of opportunities for scenic drives, hiking, and biking—as well as tasty food along the way. Hike the 2,704-foot-tall Camelback Mountain in Scottsdale or take in the beautiful red rocks of Sedona on a hike to Cathedral Rock while exploring the Grand Canyon State.

• The full itinerary: The Classic 5-Day Arizona Road Trip
• Grand Canyon guide: The First-Timer’s Guide to the Grand Canyon
• Where to eat in Phoenix: A Chef’s Guide to the Best Restaurants
• Where to stay: The Best Hotels in Arizona ; The Best Airbnbs in Sedona

The Delicate Arch living up to its name in Utah’s Arches National Park

Photo by tusharkoley / Shutterstock

6. Zion to Grand Canyon: A National Parks Road Trip in the Southwest

If you’re looking to visit as many national parks as possible in one road trip, this southwestern itinerary is for you. This journey through Utah and Arizona lets you hike Angel’s Landing in Zion, feel tiny under Delicate Arch in Arches National Park, explore Fairyland Loop Trail in Bryce Canyon, and, of course, raft down the Colorado River in the Grand Canyon. Most visitors to the Grand Canyon remain on the rim, but take at least four days to venture within the canyon and take advantage of the trails and river rafting.

• The full itinerary: The Ideal Road Trip Through U.S. National Parks
• Utah’s 8 Best National Parks and Monuments
• 10 Best National Parks and Monuments in Arizona
• The First-Timer’s Guide to the Grand Canyon

Stop and admire the winding roads of the San Juan Skyway.

Photo by Anh Luu/Shutterstock

7. San Juan Scenic Skyway Road Trip: An Adventure Through Southwestern Colorado

This Colorado trip takes you along the 232-mile loop of the San Juan Scenic Skyway, where you will see plenty of alpine forests, mining towns, and craggy peaks. And for anyone looking to enjoy refreshments after a long day of driving, this route features many opportunities to stop at some of the best breweries in Colorado , such as Ska Brewing Co. in Durango.

• The full itinerary: The Ultimate Southwestern Colorado Road Trip
• Five Classic Colorado Road Trips To Take This Year

In small-town Buena Vista, the riverfront Surf Hotel offers front-row seats to Colorado-style adventure seekers.

Courtesy of the Surf Hotel

8. Denver to Montrose: A 420-Mile Road Trip Through Colorado

Want to explore even more of the Centennial State? Head out on this weeklong road trip where you can fish for salmon in Colorado’s largest reservoir, visit numerous small towns, like Paonia and Crawford, with thriving art scenes along the Colorado Creative Corridor , and explore Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, one of the least visited national parks in the nation.

• The full itinerary: Art Stars, High-Altitude Wines, and a Remote National Park: The Ultimate Colorado Road Trip
• Where to stay: The Best Hotels in Colorado
• The AFAR Guide to Denver

Portland may be Oregon’s largest city, but with a population of some 652,000 (or 2.5 million in the larger metropolitan area), it isn’t intimidatingly large.

Photo courtesy of Travel Portland

9. Portland to Astoria: An Oregon Coast Road Trip for Outdoor Lovers

If you love the outdoors, then this six-day road trip along the coast of Oregon is for you. After driving to Coos Bay from Portland, travelers will meander along Oregon’s dramatic, rocky coastline, discovering some quintessentially Pacific Northwest vistas along the way: evergreen forests, seaside dunes, and marine ecosystems. Between stops, there are ample opportunities to stretch your legs hiking, kayaking, or strolling around the region’s small towns—like the historic old town in Florence.

Of course, it wouldn’t be an Oregon road trip without a stop (or three) at a craft brewery, such as Fort George Brewery in Astoria, or cozy coffee shop, like Bread & Roses in Yachats.

• The full itinerary: An Outdoor Lover’s Road Trip on the Oregon Coast
• The AFAR Guide to Portland

The State Capitol Building in Nashville marks the end of this road (trip).

Photo by photo.ua / Shutterstock

10. Seneca Falls, New York, to Nashville, Tennessee: Follow the Path of the Women’s Suffrage Movement

Starting in New York’s Finger Lakes region and ending at the State Capitol Building in Nashville, this road trip traces the route of the national women’s suffrage movement. Highlights include stops at the Susan B. Anthony Museum & House ; Union Square in New York City, which was the site of the first suffrage march; and the Belmont-Paul Women’s Equality National Monument in Washington, D.C.

• The full itinerary: Celebrate Women’s Suffrage on an Epic, Self-Guided Road Trip
• Where to stay: The Best Hotels in Nashville
• The AFAR Guide to Nashville
• The AFAR Guide to Washington, D.C.

Asheville is one must-stop on a North Carolina road trip.

Courtesy of ExploreAsheville.com

11. Charlottesville to Asheville: A Scenic Road Trip Through Virginia and North Carolina

The Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most scenic drives in the country. Beginning in the soft hilly meadows of the Appalachian Mountains from Shenandoah National Park down into the Blue Ridge Mountains, then into the Great Smoky Mountains, this five-day road trip is best done at a slower pace, which is perfect for admiring the dramatic outlooks and green plateaus. This eclectic itinerary features stops at an art museum, a dairy farm, and plenty of hiking trails.

• The full itinerary: The Ultimate Blue Ridge Parkway Road Trip
• Where to stay: 12 Dreamy Blue Ridge Mountain Cabins You Can Rent on Airbnb and Vrbo
• 8 U.S. National Park Road Trips to Take in Your Lifetime

Dowa:kwe dance group from Zuni Pueblo in 2019

Courtesy of Indian Pueblo Cultural Center

12. Albuquerque to Las Cruces: Discover New Mexico on This Three-Day Road Trip

This route steers you away from New Mexican tourist hot spots like Taos and Santa Fe and instead takes you on a three-day adventure with places that teach you about Pueblo history. You’ll stop at Indian Pueblo Kitchen (formerly known as Pueblo Harvest), a restaurant inside the Indian Pueblo Cultural Center that features Indigenous cuisine ; pick up peppers at Three Brothers in Hatch; and slide down the dunes in White Sands National Park.

• The full itinerary: This New Mexico Road Trip Is the Perfect Introduction to the Land of Enchantment

Historic Fort Martin Scott is one of the places travelers can visit to learn about Fredericksburg’s history.

Photo by Mark König/Unsplash

13. A Five-Day Scenic Road Trip Through Texas Hill Country

This Texas road trip starts and ends in San Antonio with stops in small towns like Bandera, Boerne, and consider a stop in Fredericksburg, which is one of AFAR’s best places to go in 2024 ). Over five days, you’ll find opportunities to stroll in a Japanese tea garden in San Antonio, relax along the Sabinal and Frio Rivers by inner tube, and eat as many tacos as you want. Seriously: You could eat tacos for every meal on this road trip and not get tired of them.

• The full itinerary: Tree Houses, Tubing, and Tacos: The Ultimate Texas Hill Country Road Trip

Mount McKinley looms large on a drive through Denali National Park.

Photo by warnsweet / Shutterstock

14. A Weeklong Road Trip Through Alaska’s Most Majestic Sights

This weeklong drive in Alaska starts and ends in Anchorage. You travel along four scenic byways; explore Wrangell–St. Elias wilderness, the largest U.S. national park; catch sight of Denali, the tallest peak in North America; and enjoy the surprisingly stellar food scene of McCarthy, a one-road town with only a couple dozen residents.

• The full itinerary: Glaciers, Mountain Peaks, and Organic Farms: The Ultimate Alaska Road Trip
• Which Alaska National Parks Should You Visit?

More than geothermal pools, Kirkham Hot Springs features a piping-hot waterfall.

Courtesy of Idaho Tourism

15. Boise to Sun Valley: Explore Idaho’s Scenic Byways

Even a short road trip can be packed with adventure, good food, and scenery, which is exactly what this trip from Boise to Sun Valley along Idaho’s Ponderosa Pine Scenic Byway offers. Although the drive only takes six hours, we recommend taking a few days to explore all the stops and detours along the way. One can’t-miss spot is the Kirkham Hot Springs , where you can stand under a waterfall that will splash you with 135-degree mineral water year-round.

• The full itinerary: The Little-Known Idaho Road Trip You Need to Drive
• Things to do: The Best Outdoorsy Things to Do in Idaho

Grand Portage State Park is the only state park jointly managed by a state and a Native American band.

Photo by Shutterstock/QZ

16. Duluth to Grand Portage State Park: A Scenic Minnesota Sampler

Although there are many appealing road trips throughout the Midwest, this 143-mile, three-hour circuit, which starts and ends in Duluth, Minnesota, is worth keeping in mind. Meandering north on MN-61 with this itinerary, you will enjoy prime views of Lake Superior and towns like Grand Marais, as well as Grand Portage State Park, home to waterfalls, hiking trails, and opportunities to learn about the Ojibwe community who occupy the land today. Once back in Duluth, enjoy a beer at Canal Park Brewing Company before checking into the waterfront Canal Park Lodge nearby.

• The AFAR Guide to Minnesota

Wind your way through colorful foliage in New Hampshire.

Photo by Shutterstock

17. Kancamagus Highway: A Quintessential New England Drive

Yes, you can take a road trip in New England at any time of the year , but this region shows off its best colors in the fall, when locals and tourists alike head out into the country to view the changing colors of the trees. Join other admirers of fall foliage on this popular, 34.5-mile road trip along New Hampshire’s Kancamagus Highway, colloquially known as the “Kanc,” for picturesque ponds, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks.

• Plan Your Fall Getaway With This Peak Foliage Prediction Map

Ogunquit is home to the small, postcard-perfect harbor of Perkins Cove.

Photo courtesy of QualityHD / Shutterstock

18. Maine’s “Lobster Trail”: Travel Route 1 Along the Coast

Traveling Route 1, affectionately known as “the lobster trail,” along Maine’s jagged coastline is an exercise in indulgence. Sample lobster dishes in all forms—buttered, steamed, on a roll, or even in a decadent mac-and-cheese.

The trip starts in the quaint small town of Ogunquit , with its rare (for the area) 3.5 miles of white-sand beach. Make your first lobster of the journey count, steamed with a side of drawn butter at Barnacle Billy’s in picturesque Perkins Cove harbor. Stop at Big Daddy’s for a cone on your way to the shipbuilding center—and summer home of George H. W. Bush—Kennebunkport. Stay at the recently redesigned 150-year-old classic White Barn Inn , and consider a sailing trip for an afternoon. With lobsters cooked in ocean water, the legendary lobster roll at the Clam Shack is a must.

• 8 Scenic East Coast Road Trips to Take This Year

Throughout North Carolina’s Piedmont region, innovative restaurants, shops, and restaurants like Leah & Louise in Charlotte, above, are creating a buzz.

Photo by Peter Taylor Photography

19. Raleigh to Charlotte: A 4-Day Trip Through North Carolina’s Reinvented Core

North Carolina’s Piedmont region extends from the coastal plain to the Blue Ridge Mountains, and includes farmland and rolling wooded hills, especially on the 1-40 stretch near Hillsborough. Starting in Raleigh, drive the short distances to Greensboro, Winston-Salem, and Charlotte to see how these cities are innovating through art, food, and a celebration of the past. Take your time—four days should do—to experience downtown arts districts, James Beard Award–winning restaurants, and civil rights museums that speak truths. Plan your trip

• A Road Trip Through North Carolina’s Reinvented Core

Scenic South Walton is part of the Emerald Coast of Florida.

20. Scenic Highway 30A: A Sunday Drive Through South Walton, Florida

Florida is full of places to cruise with the top down, but it’s hard to beat a Sunday (or any day) drive along Scenic Highway 30A through northwest Florida, home to a postcard-perfect stretch of seaside towns known as South Walton.

The roughly 28-mile route through South Walton County kisses the coast for nearly all its length, taking you through gorgeous residential Gulf-front communities like Rosemary Beach, Grayton Beach, and Blue Mountain Beach . Roll down the windows and let the emerald-hued views in.

Pull over to explore, too—maybe to admire the New Urbanism architecture in Alys Beach or to swim in the clear waters at Grayton Beach State Park . (The beach here has been lauded among the best in the world.)

• The full itinerary: The Florida Road Trip You’ve Been Missing

Stand-up paddleboarding is just one way to enjoy a Florida Keys sunset.

Shutterstock

21. The Florida Keys: An Island-Hopping Getaway

For a sunny road trip itinerary in Florida, skip Miami and head farther south. Beginning in Key Largo and ending in Key West, the Florida Keys Scenic Highway is often overlooked for more well-known routes up north, but it is well worth going out of your way to experience.

As the name suggests, this route is very scenic, so plan to spend at least a few days exploring it and numerous stops along the way. Some highlights include driving across the impressive Overseas Highway, stopping to admire art in the town of Islamorada, and enjoying the historic sites, food, and (of course) beaches in the city of Key West.

• The full itinerary: How to Road Trip in the Lesser-Known Florida Keys

Sun Studio in Memphis was the site of the famous Million Dollar recording session that brought together Elvis Presley, Jerry Lee Lewis, Carl Perkins, and Johnny Cash.

Photo by f11photo on Shutterstock

22. Memphis to Bristol, Tennessee: A Music-Driven Adventure

If you have about a week to spare and a deep appreciation for music, take a road trip from one side of Tennessee to the other, starting in Memphis and ending in Bristol. The eastbound trip spans genres, including rock ( Graceland ), blues ( Beale Street) and, of course, country (did you really go to Tennessee if you didn’t go to Dollywood ?). Nashville serves as the halfway point on your journey—so consider penciling in an extra 48 hours to fully explore the state capital’s greatest hits.

• The full itinerary: 5 Great American Road Trips For Music Fans

The stunning coastline near Cueva del Indio has been the backdrop of star-studded films.

Photo by Alexsf.gr/Shutterstock

23. Arecibo to Condado, Puerto Rico: A Lesser-Known Side of a Well-Loved Island

In the minds of many, trips to Puerto Rico bring images of stunning beaches , delicious foods , and maybe a bioluminescent bay or two . But there’s plenty of history to be found here, too, as Puerto Rico was home to an Indigenous population known as the Taino, a heritage many Puerto Ricans embrace. That history can be explored via a road trip. Starting in the northern town of Arecibo, travel south to Ponce, then back north to Condado—along the way you’ll encounter petroglyphs, Indigenous sites, and breathtaking natural spots.

• The full itinerary: A Puerto Rico Road Trip That Puts Indigenous Culture First

Additional road trip planning resources Picking the route for your road trip is only one part of your planning. From what snacks to pack to which podcasts to listen to, these additional resources will help you prepare for your next adventure:

• Best road trip snacks
• Road trip planning apps
• Podcasts and audiobooks to download
• What to pack for a road trip

This article originally appeared online in August 2020. It was most recently updated on April 4, 2024, to include current information. Additional reporting by Jessie Beck, Erika Owen, Ray Rogers, Terry Ward, and Sheryl Nance-Nash.

25 Best Road Trips in the USA (Itinerary Ideas + Tips!)

If there’s one travel bucket list experience that our home country of the United States is best for, it’s road trips.

From small towns to big cities, from mountain ranges to deserts, from forests to plains, and from sea to shining sea, there is no shortage of epic destinations for road trips in the USA.

We’ve taken USA road trips in about 30 of the 50 states ourselves (and hope to finish them all off one day!).

To help fill in the gaps, we asked fellow travel bloggers to share some of their favorites for this Great American road trips blog post.

They delivered an enormous variety of USA road trip itinerary ideas, from weekend trip options to weeks-long excursions!

Dreaming of taking a road trip in the United States and not sure where you want to go?

This list of exciting USA road trip itinerary ideas will help you decide where to hit the open road next! 

Table of Contents

Quick Tips for Your USA Road Trip

Cross-country usa road trip ideas, southern road trips in the usa, united states road trip ideas in the west, east coast road trips in the usa, central usa road trip routes, non-continental usa road trips.

Some links in this post may be affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Please see our disclosure policy for more detail.

Before we dive into exploring the best USA road trips, there are a few tips to be aware of–especially if you’re visiting as an international tourist and haven’t explored the United States before!

If you’re renting a car, shop around.

The best company to rent a car from for your United States road trip will likely vary dramatically depending on where and when you’re traveling.

Sometimes large international carriers offer the best prices, sometimes local outfits.

Sometimes one company has an excellent base price, but terrible rental requirements.

The best way to find your rental car is to search through  Discover Cars , which will sift through dozens of companies to find the best combination of low prices and reasonable rental terms for your USA road trip.

Browse rental cars for your American road trip today!

Read the rental requirements carefully.

Especially make sure you know how many miles you’ve been allotted (or ideally, if they’re unlimited), if you need to return the car empty or full of fuel, what to do if the car breaks down, and what damages you’re liable for in the event of an accident.

On the off chance that you’re planning on continuing your road trip into Canada or Mexico , be sure to check any requirements for crossing the border as well.

Book travel insurance.

We don’t ever suggest traveling without travel insurance–anything can happen on the road, and an epic road trip is definitely a case of better safe than sorry.

Check prices and inclusions with Safety Wing for road trips in the USA!

Don’t underestimate how sparsely populated parts of the USA are.

If this is your first time visiting the USA, you may be surprised to see just how long you can drive in the United States without coming across a town or even a gas station–especially out west.

Be sure to keep an eye on your directions, and fill up your gas tank before heading into any particularly unpopulated areas!

Make sure you pack the right gear.

From safety gear to snacks, a big USA road trip requires bringing the right tools along, whether you’re taking a short vacation, diving into van life , or somewhere in between.

We recommend taking a look at the suggestions in our road trip packing list before you go!

Consider bringing your sleeping arrangements along with you.

It’s not right for everyone, but there’s a reason that using an RV or campervan is such a classic American road trip experience!

And, you don’t need to dive into the RV lifestyle and buy one for your next trip in order to try it out: you can try out the experience by renting RVs and camper vans from Outdoorsy .

Browse RVs available to rent with Outdoorsy today!

If possible, stop in at least one national park!

Our home country is filled with an enormous number of interesting and beautiful places, but perhaps none shine quite as brightly as our national park system.

Want to climb sand dunes? We have that.

Marvel at glaciers? Check.

Hike across mountains? Take your pick.

Go scuba diving? Definitely.

Admire the power of incredible geysers? Got that, too.

Whatever kind of outdoor wonder you have in mind, you can find it at one of the most beautiful national parks in America !

From Stephanie of Oklahoma Wonders

Route 66 is the quintessential American road trip, inspiring songs, movies, and novels.

Starting in Chicago and ending in Santa Monica, Route 66 passes through nine states: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, Nevada, and California.

Some of the best things to do on the route are enjoying the kitschy 1950s motels, gas stations, and restaurants that harken back to the days of the Great American Road Trip.

You’ll also find tons of quirky roadside attractions like the Catoosa Whale, Cadillac Ranch , and the Twin Arrows that are must-sees.

If you want to enjoy some nature along the way, you can visit the Grand Canyon or Petrified Forrest National Park.

The most typical way to explore Route 66 is to start in Chicago and drive all the way to Santa Monica, but there are many who drive smaller portions of it or go from west-to-east instead of east-to-west.

There’s no single “right” way to make the drive. Just make sure you enjoy yourself as you go!

Recommended Road Trip Length

Because the route is so long and there’s so much to see, it’s recommended you spend two weeks exploring it one way.

New York to Los Angeles

Driving across the United States from New York to Los Angeles is one of those classic American road trip routes that, quite honestly, is not suited to most USA vacations–you’ll be looking at a lot  of cornfields and open plains along the way and spend many days on the road.

… But that being said, the legend and myth of this USA road trip route endure because it does make for quite the adventure!

With nearly 3,000 miles of driving to do between NYC and LA, you have extreme flexibility to create your own USA road trip itinerary!

However, the most direct route (a mere 44 hours of drive time, not including stops and traffic!) will take you to Chicago, across the open fields of Iowa and Nebraska, through some stunning nature in Colorado and Utah, and right through Las Vegas before delivering you to the beauty of the Pacific Ocean.

If you’re open to detours, plenty of national parks will be within your reach on this USA road trip, including Rocky Mountain National Park, Joshua Tree National Park, Zion National Park, and even the Grand Canyon!

If you’d like to enjoy a coast-to-coast road trip in the USA, we recommend setting aside at least two weeks to ensure you have enough time to experience the route along the way (and avoid spending too many days at a time looking at nothing but highways)!

Blue Ridge Parkway

From Carl of NC Tripping

If you’re exploring the western parts of North Carolina or Virginia , the Blue Ridge Parkway is always lingering somewhere nearby.

It’s the most popular road trip between the two states and connects two of the United States’ most-visited national parks, Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Shenandoah National Park.

At 469 miles in length, this road will take some time to explore !

Narrowing things down to a few places you must visit is tough, but here are some “musts.” 

Moving north to south, highlights on the Virginia side include Humpback Rocks (Milepost 5), Mabry Mill (MP 176), Peaks of Otter (MP 85), and the Blue Ridge Music Center (MP 213).

Across the border in North Carolina, you at least need to see Linville Falls (316), Craggy Gardens (MP 364), Graveyard Fields (418), and Oconoluftee (MP 469) at the end of the line.

Of course, there are more spots scattered throughout that are within a short drive of the Parkway , such as the ever-popular Asheville, NC , the Biltmore Estate , and more charming mountain towns than you can count.

That, along with its length, is why this is one USA road trip that will take some time, if ever, for you to complete. 

Please note that some areas of the Blue Ridge Parkway close during winter through parts of spring. The NPS is pretty good about keeping information up to date on their website .

While you can drive the Blue Ridge Parkway in less time, ideally, if you want to hike and explore along the route, a week is a great starting point for this USA road trip route.

Kentucky Bourbon Trail

From Katie-Beth of Her Life in Ruins

Who doesn’t love a nice glass of bourbon?

On the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, you tour 18 different distilleries, try multiple bourbons (and other treats) at each, and take in tons of bottled-up history throughout the gorgeous Bluegrass State. 

While there is no official route for the Kentucky Bourbon Trail, stay in either Lexington or Louisville as a “home base” for the experience, as all of the distilleries are within a few hours’ drive of these cities (some are mere minutes!).

Each day, pick 4-5 distilleries to visit, starting when they open in the morning and touring until they close.

Try to do the distilleries that are closest together on the same days (less driving and easier to get from one place to another).

If you’re a serious drinker, there are some bus tours that will chauffeur you throughout the Trail!

You’re never given more than about 2 ounces of alcohol at each distillery, but you may want a designated driver just in case.

On the drive between distilleries, you’ll see the rolling hills of Kentucky, some of our famous horse farms, and, of course, rick houses holding millions of gallons of the delicious spirit. 

In order to visit all of the distilleries, I recommend spending 4-6 days on the Kentucky Bourbon Trail.

Southeast Coastal Road Trip

The stretch of coastline running from St. Augustine, Florida to the Outer Banks of North Carolina is packed with beautiful sights, historic cities, and laid-back beach towns.

We consider this area one of our personal favorites for road trips in the USA, and we’ve taken dozens of road trips in the region!

Start in St. Augustine, founded in 1565 by Spanish settlers and one of the most historic cities in the USA.

Explore its beautiful Castillo de San Marcos, check out the Fountain of Youth, relax on the beach, and explore the Colonial Quarter.

From there, head north to Savannah , where you can enjoy its incredible architecture and town squares, and then move on to Charleston , where you’ll find compelling American history and the lovely Folley Beach.

As you move up the coast, consider detouring for brief stops in Beaufort, South Carolina and/or Hilton Head Island, before heading into North Carolina.

Historic Wilmington and New Bern are always worth a look as you pass by, and while you’ll need to head all the way up to Kitty Hawk and Nag’s Head to experience the classic Outer Banks destinations, the Crystal Coast ( Emerald Isle , Morehead City, Beaufort , Atlantic Beach , etc.) has been my family’s haunt for generations and is also well worth experiencing.

And, the Crystal Coast also happens to be closer geographically to the rest of the stops on this United States road trip itinerary!

Want to continue north to the Outer Banks?

Ocracoke Island, Nags Head, Duck, Kitty Hawk (famously home to the Wright Brothers’ first-ever flight!) and more are all ready to welcome you.

We recommend spending about 10 days enjoying this USA road trip route.

Orlando to New Orleans Road Trip

From Christine of Live Love Run Travel

Driving from Orlando to New Orleans  gives you plenty of options for stops along the way as well as enough to fill up an entire vacation at the starting point and ending point of the road trip.

From natural springs to beaches to caverns, there is plenty to see along this route to break up the trip.

Orlando is of course known for its iconic theme parks including Disney and Universal Studios.

However, Orlando and Florida also offer plenty of natural highlights including the natural springs.

On the way from Orlando to New Orleans , stop at Rainbow Springs, Silver Springs, or Ginnie Springs along I-75.

Once you get onto I-10, make sure to stop at Florida Caverns State Park for a unique Florida experience.

Plus, if you are taking this trip in the summer, you’ll appreciate the cooler air in the caverns!

Along I-10, there are also plenty of opportunities to stop for some time at the beach.

Consider Pensacola, Florida, or the Gulf Shores, Alabama, or any of Mississippi’s beaches to avoid a long drive off the main road.

From there you are in New Orleans where you can enjoy the bayou, lots of amazing food and live music, and plenty of history and beautiful architecture in the various districts within the city.

The length of this road trip depends on a few factors including how long you want to spend in Orlando and New Orleans.

The drive itself only takes about 9 hours, but if you want to spend time at the springs, beaches, and caverns, stretch it out to a 2 or 3 day drive, with a few days on either end to explore Orlando and New Orleans.

Washington State

From Katie of Two Wandering Soles

With rugged driftwood-strewn beaches, snowcapped peaks, small towns, and major cities, Washington State is a true gem.

Home to incredibly diverse landscapes and endless adventures to be had, this Pacific Northwest destination is one of the best places to take a road trip in the United States. 

Start by  exploring Seattle (if you have the time) because there is plenty to do in this PNW hub. But when you’re ready to get out of the city, head straight to the Olympic Peninsula .

With temperate rainforests, waterfalls, remote beaches, and a towering mountain range, Olympic National Park is arguably the most diverse swath of land in the state, if not one of the most unique places in the country, and is the perfect place to try out some hikes in Washington .

Another drive well worth your while is to head northeast toward the iconic Mount Baker.

If you have the time, continue north to Highway 20 which brings you into the breathtaking North Cascades National Park.

Make photo stops along the way (like at the spectacularly beautiful turquoise waters of Lake Diablo), set off on epic hikes, and refuel at the small towns along the way.

Eventually, you’ll reach Lake Chelan , which is a perfect spot to cool off on a hot summer day.

From Lake Chelan, you have a stunning drive on Highway 2 back to Seattle with many more opportunities for exploring small towns and hiking along the way, if time allows. 

If you want to cover this whole route, you should allow 1.5 – 2 weeks. If you have less time, shorten your USA road trip itinerary accordingly.

Southwest Colorado Road Trip

From Tanya of Rad Family Travel

Exploring Southwest Colorado on a memorable summer road trip through the mountains offers adventure in every direction.

Sand-sled through Great Sand Dunes National Park, drive breath-taking mountain passes, soak and swim in hot springs, and climb ladders to ancient Puebloan dwellings at Mesa Verde National Park.

From there, imagine taking a jeep ride to old mining towns, biking along scenic trails, and hiking among wildflowers.

Arrive in Telluride in style via a free gondola, go whitewater rafting or alpine sliding, sleep under the stars, and top it all off with local burgers and cold brews.

In other words: whatever kind of outdoor adventure you’re looking for, southwest Colorado has you covered.

A Southwest Colorado road trip highlights diverse outdoor fun in Great Sand Dunes National Park, Pagosa Springs, Durango, Mesa Verde National Park, Telluride, Ridgway, Ouray, Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Crested Butte, and Buena Vista.

Choose from tent camping, cabins, or hotels, or a mixture thereof, for lodging along the way.

Allow at least nine to ten days for this epic southwest Colorado Road Trip , starting from Colorado Springs.

If you prefer slower travel and lots of outdoor adventure, consider making it a fourteen-day loop by staying longer in Ouray, Crested Butte, and Buena Vista — and really delve into these sweet mountain towns . 

Utah’s Mighty Five

From Ali of Travel Made Simple

Utah is home to five amazing national parks, all close enough to each other to visit on one iconic national parks road trip .

These national parks are Arches, Bryce Canyon, Canyonlands, Capitol Reef, and Zion. Since they’re all in the southern half of the state, you can drive in a loop to get to them all.

This also works well as part of a bigger  southwestern US road trip .

If you’re short on time or not in great shape, you can see a lot by driving or taking park shuttles, where available.

Hop out at designated parking lots, lookout points, or shuttle stops, take pictures, and go for a short walk.

For more activity, each park has hiking trails for beginners to expert-level hikers.

You can see the highlights of each park in about a day, but allow more time at any park where you want to experience more hiking.

Start and end in Las Vegas and drive counterclockwise.

Since driving from Las Vegas to Moab , where Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park are located, is quite long, consider stopping in Page, AZ (home of the famous Horseshoe Bend ), or Monument Valley on the AZ/UT border. Or both!

From Moab, drive to Capitol Reef National Park, then Bryce Canyon National Park , and lastly Zion National Park before heading back to Vegas.

If you prefer, you can also do this route in reverse!

Give yourself at least a week to do this road trip, or longer if you’re stopping in Page and/or Monument Valley.

South Dakota

If you’re craving wide open spaces, plenty of buffalo and prairie dog sightings, gorgeous caves, and a quirky roadside stop or two, then South Dakota is the American road trip for you!

Driving from east to west (though you can easily reverse it), pay a quick visit to Sioux Falls and then The World’s Only Corn Palace (their words, not mine) before diving into Badlands National Park.

Drive the Badlands National Park scenic loop, do some hiking (the Notch Trail is not to be missed), and when you’re ready for a break, detour to Wall Drug for a heavy dose of kitsch.

Head north to visit the Wild West town of Deadwood, and if you’re up for it, detour into Wyoming for a quick visit to Devil’s Tower, the first US national monument!

Back in South Dakota, base yourself in or around Keystone to explore Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park, Wind Cave National Park, and–if you have time–Spearfish Canyon.

Going inside Wind Cave National Park requires a guided tour, so be sure to book in advance!

Determined road-trippers can do justice to this South Dakota road trip route in about 5 days, though 7 allows for a bit more hiking and a chance to add on places like Rapid City.

South Dakota is also perfectly located for combining with road trips in Wyoming and beyond, so you can easily use this route as a building block for a bigger US road trip itinerary!

Scenic I-90 from Portland to Yellowstone

From Catherine of Passports and Adventures

Visiting Yellowstone National Park from Portland, Oregon is easy and there is no better route to take than the scenic I-90.

This 812-mile trip starts from Portland and takes the I-84 along the very beautiful Columbia River Gorge.

As you get started, stop at Multnomah Falls to photograph the famous waterfall!

Continue to Richland where you could rest overnight before jumping onto the I-90, the longest interstate in the United States.

This interstate highway passes Spokane before trailing alongside the lake of Coeur d’Alene, a beautiful part of the country, and then snakes through the Nez Pearce-Clearwater National Forests.

Imagine a highway surrounded by forests on either side, and you have an idea of what this part of I-90 is like.

A great town to stop along the I-90 is Missoula, which sits along the Clark Fork River and has plenty on offer including a great park, Caras Park where families and visitors can unwind.

After Missoula, continue along the I-90 and join Highway 287 which will take you to West Yellowstone to start your visit to the first national park.

This route from Portland to Yellowstone is 812 miles via these interstates and highways and could be done in two days but is best enjoyed over a few days before your  Yellowstone vacation .

As you get close to the national park, you can also find some great camping near Yellowstone along this route.

Northern New Mexico

From Stella Jane of Around the World in 24 Hours

Northern New Mexico is one of the most beautiful places in the United States to have a road trip.

The weather is gorgeous and sunny at almost any time of year, and many of the state’s most interesting places are just an hour’s drive away from each other!

Start the road trip in the state’s largest city, Albuquerque. Almost all people arriving in New Mexico start here because this is where the major airport is located.

Tourism in Albuquerque has really taken off since the show  Breaking Bad  was filmed here, but those who are not  Breaking Bad  fans will still love seeing Albuquerque’s charming Old Town.

If you’re lucky enough to be able to plan your trip around the famous Albuquerque International Balloon Fiesta , you won’t be sorry you did!

After a couple of days in Albuquerque, drive an hour up to Santa Fe and spend a couple of days here. This is New Mexico’s capital and its most beautiful city.

You can stop for a bath in the hot springs at Ten Thousand Waves and see the historic Spanish Colonial Palace of the Governors. 

Finally, check out some smaller towns like Los Alamos, where the atomic bomb was developed, Chimayo, which is a popular pilgrimage site, and Taos, where you can visit a Native American pueblo that’s also a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You’ll be amazed at how much Northern New Mexico has to offer!

I recommend spending about a week on this USA road trip route.

Denver to Yellowstone Loop

Starting from Denver, you can easily craft a fantastic road trip plan.

USA national parks are in abundance in the west, but from Denver, you can hit three of the most legendary in short order: Rocky Mountain National Park, Grand Teton National Park, and the ever-popular Yellowstone National Park.

For your first stop, base yourself in the beautiful mountain town of Estes Park , where you can access some of the best hikes in RMNP while also enjoying this idyllic mountain town.

From there, head up to Yellowstone to enjoy a few days of geysers, geothermal pools, wildlife spotting, and utterly unique views.

On your way back to Denver, head to Grand Teton National Park to visit highlights like Jenny Lake, enjoy some hiking, and soak in iconic views like those along Mormon Row.

Don’t miss the chance to spend a bit of time in Jackson Hole, one of the USA’s most iconic mountain towns, while you’re there!

We recommend setting aside at least a week for this all-American road trip–if you’d like to spend some time in Denver, a full two weeks is best.

San Francisco to Yosemite Loop

From Julie of More Than Main Street

Typically, you think of the Pacific Coast Highway when you think of the best California road trips, right? Well…consider something a little different!

This 10 day California road trip , forming a loop from San Francisco to Yosemite National Park and back, is one of the best road trips in the USA.

You’ll get the best of big-city excitement, some time by the ocean, beautiful scenic vistas, and outdoor fun galore!

After spending a few days in San Francisco , hit up Monterey, Carmel, and part of the Pacific Coast Highway.

Can’t-miss destinations include the Golden Gate Bridge, Lombard Street, Alcatraz, Big Sur, and the world-class Monterey Aquarium.

Next head east over to Yosemite National Park for some incredible hiking, followed by a little wine tasting in Sonoma or Napa Valley, a stop in Muir Woods to see the giant redwoods, then finally back to San Francisco.

This road trip is perfect for families, couples, or even solo travelers and is guaranteed to be one you won’t forget!

You’ll need at least 10 days to do justice to this epic California road trip.

The American Southwest from Las Vegas

Thanks to inexpensive flights, a convenient location in southern Nevada, and its widespread appeal, Las Vegas is a fantastic place to kick off a road trip through the southwest!

With Las Vegas as a starting point, head off to Valley of Fire State Park in Nevada before making your way to the ultimate USA road trip destination: the Grand Canyon.

From there, loop up to Moab to explore Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, head west to visit Bryce Canyon National Park , and then move onto Zion before circling back to Vegas.

With extra time, you can add on more exciting stops in Arizona and Utah like Monument Valley, Page (home of Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend ), Capitol Reef National Park, Goblin Valley State Park, and more.

Ten days is a good starting place for this American road trip, but you can do an abridged version in one week, and the sky is the limit as far as how long you can take to explore every nook, cranny, and slot canyon in the region!

New York State Road Trip

From Melissa of Navigation Junkie

The route from Buffalo, NY to New York City is full of great attractions and small towns to explore, and the variety of stops along the way will be sure to entertain every member of the family!

To begin the journey, start at Niagara Falls in Buffalo, NY.

See the roaring power of the American and Canadian falls, and if you are up for it, take a ride on the Maid of the Mist to get up close and personal with the falls.

After visiting the falls continue on to Letchworth State Park, the Grand Canyon of the East, for a day of hiking and enjoying nature.

Continue on to   Rochester, NY , where you will find a variety of fun attractions, history, and nature experiences.

The next stop along the route is the Finger Lakes region, where you can enjoy the lakes, waterfalls, and some wine tasting.

From there, head to Saratoga Springs, known for horse racing and mineral baths.

After visiting Saratoga Springs, continue on to the Catskills Region, where you will find plenty of scenic views and hiking trails for hikers of all abilities.

Finish up your road trip in New York City, where you can visit the Statue of Liberty, The World Trade Center Memorial, Central Park, and Times Square, among many other iconic attractions!

We recommend taking a minimum of one week to fully experience all stops along this USA road trip route.

Miami to Key West Road Trip

From Hannah & Adam Lukaszewicz of Getting Stamped

If you’re looking for a tropical road trip, consider making the drive from Miami to Key West .

On this US road trip, you’ll travel through the islands that make up the Florida Keys on the “Overseas Highway.”

It’s said to be one of the best road trips in the country!

While the drive to Key West isn’t too far (165 miles), the stops and the scenic beauty along the way are what make it worthwhile. The road trip is full of fun and quirky things to do and see!

The John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park and the Spiegel Grove Shipwreck are two great spots for exploring under the surface, where you’ll find coral reefs, sea life, and a sunken Navy ship.

For above the water, consider taking a cruise on The Africa Queen through the canals of Key Largo. 

There are great restaurants and bars along the way too.

Some popular stops include Plantation Key’s Mile Marker 88 Beach & Bar for all the tiki vibes, Islamorada Beer Company, and Robbie’s Restaurant, where you can feed tarpons from the dock. 

This road trip is best for a weekend (2-3 days).

New England

Made up of some of the USA’s smallest states, the northeast region of New England is one of the best places for a road trip in the USA.

Featuring historic cities (hello Boston !), adorable small towns, a rugged coastline, gorgeous harbors, and plenty of lighthouses, New England spots a charm and culture all its own.

Consider starting and ending your New England road trip in Boston, the region’s largest city and airport hub, where you can walk the Freedom Trail, stroll cobblestone lanes, and visit some of the most impressive universities and museums in the country.

From there, make your way to beautiful Acadia National Park in Maine, stopping at charming coastal villages like Portsmouth, New Hampshire, and Kennebunkport, Maine along the way–plus of course, a stop in the charming city of Portland.

On your way back south, drop by the White Mountain National Forest, and beautiful towns like Stowe, Vermont (legendary for its fall foliage) and Woodstock.

If you have time, head south of Massachusetts before heading back to Boston, visiting the Gilded Age mansions in Newport, Rhode Island, and the idyllic small town of Mystic, Connecticut.

To take a USA road trip through all six New England states, two weeks or more is best. 

However, with less time you can easily pick and choose a couple of states to visit and still have an amazing road trip experience!

Texas Hill Country

Tucked into the central part of the Lone Star State, west of both Austin and San Antonio, lies an oasis of beauty.

Visit the Texas Hill Country for sparkling rivers, charming small towns, incredible hiking, beautiful waterfalls, excellent Texas barbecue , magnificent wildflowers, and more wineries and distilleries than you can count.

Some of the best things to do in the Texas Hill Country include visiting the town of Fredericksburg, which is known for its German heritage, enjoying a wine tasting, exploring beautiful Wimberley, climbing Enchanted Rock, exploring dramatic limestone caves, sampling barbecue, and visiting some of the best swimming holes near Austin , including the legendary Hamilton Pool and Jacob’s Well.

Be sure to save time for a couple of state parks, as well!

In addition to Enchanted Rock, popular state parks in the Hill Country include Garner State Park, Guadalupe River State Park, and Colorado Bend State Park (home to 70-foot Gorman Falls).

The lakes are also unforgettable: don’t miss a chance to admire the beauty of Canyon Lake or Lake Travis during this incredible US road trip!

Even if you only have one day, it’s worth taking a quick Texas Hill Country road trip–but ideally, we recommend setting aside a week to explore.

While you can visit year-round, bluebonnet season (roughly late March-April) is undoubtedly the most scenic time to visit!

Northwest Arkansas

Packed with beautiful forests, idyllic hot springs, historic towns, and a lesser-known but beautiful national park, Northwest Arkansas is the perfect option for travelers looking for an interesting but off-the-beaten path US road trip destination.

Start your road trip at Hot Springs National Park, one of the only US national parks to be set in an urban (really, more like small-town) setting.

Nine historic bathhouses in the national park line Bathhouse Row, where visitors flocked to enjoy the local hot springs in the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

You can still soak in two of them today!

From there, head north all the way to Eureka Springs, which is known for its historic architecture, beautiful setting in the Ozark Mountains, and even more hot springs.

Along the way, consider detouring slightly to visit Hawksbill Crag (pictured below), one of the best viewpoints in Arkansas.

Whether you want to hike, soak, shop, or simply relax and enjoy the views, Northwest Arkansas is a delightful getaway.

This trip can be completed over a long weekend, but 5 days would be ideal.

From Carole of Travels With Carole

For one of the best road trips in Texas , begin in El Paso and head southeast. 

West Texas is filled with art, much of it BIG Texas art.

Before reaching the iconic West Texas art hub of Marfa , you’ll encounter some roadside art stops that include the “Giant” movie set installation featuring huge cutouts of stars Elizabeth Taylor, James Dean, and Rock Hudson.

This is followed by stops at the Prada Marfa store that never opens, and at the railroad-side World’s Smallest Target Store that is complete with a shopping cart. 

The tiny town of Marfa itself is home to the Chinati Foundation’s series of huge indoor and outdoor installations located on a former military base, as well as a plethora of art galleries–one of which displays Andy Warhol’s “The Last Supper.” 

In addition to art, Marfa has a viewing center where locals and visitors alike congregate at night hoping to see the area’s legendary and unexplained bouncing light orbs.

And if that’s not enough, you can also dine at the Stripes convenience store where Anthony Bourdain ate a fried burrito while filming what turned out to be his last episode of “Parts Unknown.” 

This is just the tip of the iceberg of a fascinating visit to this area. 

Allow 3 nights to visit this area and another night or two for an excursion to Big Bend National Park.

Northern Michigan

When considering the best road trips in America, the Great Lakes are often overlooked in favor of the Atlantic and Pacific coasts–but for a magnificent summer road trip through one of the USA’s hidden gems, head to northern Michigan.

Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore on Lake Michigan and Pictured Rocks National Lakeshore on Lake Superior are located a mere five hours or so apart if you drive directly.

And, if you’ve never set eyes on the Great Lakes, this road trip will defy your expectations of what lakeshores look like!

Between them, be sure to take a step back in time at Mackinac Island, one of the best places to visit in Michigan.

Here’s the twist, though: no cars are allowed on the island, so you’ll need to leave yours on the mainland during your island escape!

Plan for about a week to make the most of this USA itinerary.

From Zach & Julie of Ruhls of the Road

Kauai is one of the most unique and beautiful destinations on earth.

However, when most people visit, they experience the inside of their resort and maybe a few beautiful places on day trips.

In truth, the best way to experience this incredible island is on a road trip to all of the best places on the island!

To start your Kauai road trip, go to the number one destination on the island: the Na Pali Coast.

The Na Pali Coast defies description, it is a place you have to see to believe.

The best way to see the area is on the Awa’awapuhi Trail, but make sure you hike the trail on a clear day for the best views!

From here, check out the Alakai Swamp, a boardwalk that also boasts incredible views.

As you leave the Na Pali Coast area, head down towards Waimea and see the Waimea Black Sand Beach.

Moving along the coast, stop at the Poipu area and see one of Kauai’s famous Hula shows.

Continue this coastal route and head into Wailua State Park. In this beautiful area, you’ll want to see Wailua Falls, Opaeka’a Falls, and hike the Kuilau Ridge.

The Kuilau Ridge Hike offers a 360-degree view of the Kauai landscape that will leave your jaw on the floor.

Finish your road trip by heading up to the Princeville area and checking out Queen’s Bath.

This is a beautiful tide pool that will make for the perfect ending to your Kauai road trip.

Make sure to check tides and go at low tide, as this area isn’t safe at high tide.

We recommend completing this Kauai road trip in 3 days.

Road to Hana, Maui

From Jess of I’m Jess Traveling

When you think of Hawaii you may not think of a road trip but prepare to have your mind altered.

When traveling on the island of Maui driving the Road to Hana is a must!

The scenic drive takes you from Kahului to the east side of the island to the town of Hana. 

The Road to Hana is 52 miles of one-lane bridges, hairpin turns, and curves.

This drive will take up an entire day so make sure you pack lots of snacks and fill up for gas beforehand.

The winding road takes you past jaw-dropping seascape views, roaring waterfalls, and exotic flora.

Some highlights of this drive include Ho’okipa, Twin Falls, the Painted Forest, Honomanu Bay, Wailua Falls, and the awe-inspiring Wai’anapanapa State Park.

Don’t forget to wear your bathing suit and pack a towel because pulling off the side of the road to take a dip in the ocean or swim under a waterfall is the name of the game.

Buckle up, enjoy the ride, and prepare for a trip of a lifetime.

You can drive the Road to Hana in a day, but if you’d like to savor the experience, consider camping or staying in Hana town for a few days to make sure you see all the best sights along this road trip in the USA.

Alaska Road Trip (Anchorage to Valdez)

From Wendy of Adventurous Retirement

Alaska is filled with excellent American road trip opportunities, especially in the summer.  

Start in Anchorage, when the museums are open.

Visit the Alaska Native Heritage Center to learn about the indigenous people of the ‘last frontier’, and the Alaska Public Lands Information Center to learn about the history and culture of Alaska for free.

Take the Trolley tour for a fun overview of Anchorage, its history, and the earthquake of ‘64.

Ride the free shuttle to the Ulu factory, and check out the salmon runs at Ship Creek.

On day 2, head to Palmer and visit the Iditarod Museum before driving to Hatcher Pass.

Go to the high point for incredible views, hike the trails, and admire blue mountain lakes. 

Continue on this road to loop back to town.

From there, head to Matanuska Glacier, located one hour from Palmer. Spend day 4 hiking to and on the glacier. 

After that, drive toward Valdez Alaska on the Scenic Richardson Highway. It’s about 3 hours to Valdez.

Stop at Worthington Glacier Recreation Area to see the glacier or hike it. Stop at the various pullouts to view the waterfalls along Thompson Pass and the Highway.

If the salmon are spawning, visit Crooked Creek and see if you can spot a bear fishing for dinner.

While in and around Valdez, also consider taking an all-day wildlife glacier cruise, visiting the Valdez Museum and Annex, and visiting the Maxine & Jesse Whitney Museum.

This is a 5-day, 6-night road trip that keeps visitors busy every day. 

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About Kate Storm

In May 2016, I left my suburban life in the USA and became a full-time traveler. Since then, I have visited 50+ countries on 5 continents and lived in Portugal, developing a special love of traveling in Europe (especially Italy) along the way. Today, along with my husband Jeremy and dog Ranger, I’m working toward my eventual goal of splitting my life between Europe and the USA.

6 thoughts on “25 Best Road Trips in the USA (Itinerary Ideas + Tips!)”

Love all these ideas and inspiration for my next trip!

Thanks Jess! So hard to choose.

So many fantastic ideas – I can vouch for the awesomeness of WA, my home state! I am itching to get driving!

We are too! Hopefully we’ll all be able to soon. 🙂 We’d love to get back out west this year!

Everybody skips over Arkansas and Missouri when they suggest road trips, big mistake. Some of the best driving roads and scenery are located in the Ozarks and Quachita National Forests. Start in Springfield, Mo to the north. Stops could include Branson, Mo, Buffalo National River, Little Rock, Ar, Hot Springs, Ar, Talimena Scenic Drive from Mena, Ar then back north through the river valley of Fort Smith, Ar,, up Hwy 23 (Pig Trail) to Historic Victorian Eureka Springs, Ar. Then back to Springfield, Mo. You could easily spend 10-14 days on this road trip and see very diverse entertainment, scenery, hiking and waterfalls, mineral and hot springs, mountain and valley vistas. Best time to travel would be spring and/or fall. Scenery rivals anywhere in the country.

It is a beautiful part of the country! We actually visited Eureka Springs the weekend we got engaged, stayed at the Crescent. 🙂 We had someone signed up to contribute the Ozarks to this post but we haven’t heard back from them yet–maybe we’ll add it ourselves during a post update!

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The perfect itinerary for an epic USA roadtrip (48 states at once)

• Post author: Andrew D'Amours
• Post published: December 28, 2022
• Post category: Travel inspiration / Trip itineraries & destination discoveries
• Post comments: 23 Comments

Do you like roadtrips? They happen to be a very American tradition and we found the perfect itinerary to visit every state in the continental USA during 1 epic roadtrip. A great trip idea for those who have a lot of time but want to stay closer to home .

Personally, I love roadtrips and I hit the road as much as I can, despite also being an aviation geek: you can like both, right? What matters is traveling and seeing new places , no matter how.

So here are the maps and details of the 2 itineraries that allow you to see all the lower 48 states at once, depending on your travel preference.

Basics of the 2 epic USA roadtrip itineraries

The USA is a huge country, almost as big as Europe (it’s even larger than Canada when considering land area alone).

So the USA has a lot of variety in terms of landscapes, but even in terms of culture too (even if many who aren’t from the country don’t realize that).

If you aim to eventually visit every state, any 1 of these 2 itineraries is a great way to almost all of them at once. The only 2 states you’ll have left to visit after this roadtrip will be Hawaii and Alaska.

There’s a version for national parks and points of interest and a version for cities.

I’m on the quest to visit all 50 states myself (in addition to also visiting every country obviously), and I’m not doing too bad with 47 already.

But let’s just say it would’ve been much quicker to get to 48 at once with this roadtrip instead of having to do it over dozens of trips.

Here are the details.

48-state roadtrip – national parks/points of interest version

Here’s a map of the 1st itinerary.

It was conceived by American Ph.D. student Randy Olson, on  his blog , and it was done scientifically to optimize the routing: each stop represents a national park or a point of interest.

So you’re not just seeing every state, you’re seeing cool parts of every state (which sadly wasn’t our case in North Dakota during our very random 1200-miles-nonstop-in-2-days Flytrippers roadtrip across the Midwest just for fun).

Good times. Roadtrips always make for great stories.

Anyway, the itinerary has also been optimized to be as efficient a route as possible to see all 48 states, so you can rest assured you won’t be wasting any time.

If you only stop to sleep, you can complete this roadtrip in only 9 days, but we recommend taking at least a couple of weeks to explore all these places obviously.

And gas is significantly cheaper in the US in case you were wondering. You can start anywhere, it’s a continuous loop, and it passes through many spots near the Canadian border.

You can even take a shortcut from Michigan to Vermont through Canada, as the stop in Cleveland is only to keep Americans without a passport from crossing into the Great White North.

Here is the complete list of all 50 landmarks (48 states + Washington, DC + a bonus stop in California):

1. Grand Canyon, AZ 2. Bryce Canyon National Park, UT 3. Craters of the Moon, ID 4. Yellowstone National Park, WY 5. Pikes Peak, CO 6. Carlsbad Caverns National Park, NM 7. The Alamo, TX 8. The Platt Historic District, OK 9. Toltec Mounds, AR 10. Elvis Presley’s Graceland, TN 11. Vicksburg National Military Park, MS 12. French Quarter, LA 13. USS Alabama, AL 14. Cape Canaveral Air Force Station, FL 15. Okefenokee Swamp Park, GA 16. Fort Sumter National Monument, SC 17. Lost World Caverns, WV 18. Wright Brothers National Memorial Visitor Center, NC 19. Mount Vernon, VA 20. White House, Washington, D.C. 21. Colonial Annapolis Historic District, MD 22. New Castle Historic District, DE 23. Cape May Historic District, NJ 24. Liberty Bell, PA 25. Statue of Liberty, NY 26. The Mark Twain House & Museum, CT 27. The Breakers, RI 28. USS Constitution, MA 29. Acadia National Park, ME 30. Mount Washington Hotel, NH 31. Shelburne Farms, VT 32. Fox Theater, MI 33. Spring Grove Cemetery, OH 34. Mammoth Cave National Park, KY 35. West Baden Springs Hotel, IN 36. Abraham Lincoln’s Home, IL 37. Gateway Arch, MO 38. C. W. Parker Carousel Museum, KS 39. Terrace Hill Governor’s Mansion, IA 40. Taliesin, WI 41. Fort Snelling, MN 42. Ashfall Fossil Bed, NE 43. Mount Rushmore, SD 44. Fort Union Trading Post, ND 45. Glacier National Park, MT 46. Hanford Site, WA 47. Columbia River Highway, OR 48. San Francisco Cable Cars, CA 49. San Andreas Fault, CA 50. Hoover Dam, NV

These are all very enticing attractions, for the most part. It seems I’ve only seen 14 of those, so maybe I should hit the road again after all.

How about you? Tempted?

48-state roadtrip – city version

Here’s a map of the 2nd itinerary.

If you’re more of a city slicker, the map’s author has created a 2nd version that routes you through amazing cities instead.

It is slightly shorter but quite as impressive: it makes you go through the “Best City to Visit” in each state, according to TripAdvisor .

But you won’t have all the lower 48 states, unlike the other itinerary. That’s because no city in Vermont, West Virginia, or North Dakota made the top 400 cities to visit ranking, unfortunately. So plan on making a few extra detours if you want to hit all states at once with this version of the itinerary.

Here is the complete list of all cities:

• Oklahoma City, Oklahoma
• Wichita, Kansas
• Denver, Colorado
• Albuquerque, New Mexico
• Phoenix, Arizona
• Las Vegas, Nevada
• San Francisco, California
• Portland, Oregon
• Seattle, Washington
• Boise, Idaho
• Park City, Utah
• Jackson, Wyoming
• Billings, Montana
• Sioux Falls, South Dakota
• Omaha, Nebraska
• Des Moines, Iowa
• Minneapolis, Minnesota
• Milwaukee, Wisconsin
• Chicago, Illinois
• Indianapolis, Indiana
• Louisville, Kentucky
• Columbus, Ohio
• Detroit, Michigan
• Cleveland, Ohio
• Manchester, New Hampshire
• Portland, Maine
• Boston, Massachusetts
• Providence, Rhode Island
• New Haven, Connecticut
• New York City, New York
• Ocean City, New Jersey
• Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
• Wilmington, Delaware
• Baltimore, Maryland
• Washington, D.C.
• Virginia Beach, Virginia
• Charlotte, North Carolina
• Charleston, South Carolina
• Orlando, Florida
• Atlanta, Georgia
• Nashville, Tennessee
• Birmingham, Alabama
• Jackson, Mississippi
• New Orleans, Louisiana
• Houston, Texas
• Little Rock, Arkansas
• Branson, Missouri

I do a little better on this list, with 31 already visited. You can see I love cities. How about you?

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If you were looking for an excuse to go on a roadtrip, this is it. And since we always enjoy giving you more for your money, we think 48 states instead of only 1 or 2 is something you’ll enjoy!

What’s the coolest roadtrip you’ve ever been on? Tell us in the comments below.

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Featured image: The itinerary (image credit: Randy Olson)

Original publication date: May 29, 2018

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Andrew D'Amours

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This post has 23 comments.

Hello Andrew, the PHD student suggests in the 1st Itinnerary that the one stop to make in Washington State is the Hanford Nuclear Reservation?! Flat out, that is a terrible idea. It is in the middle of nowhere, I am just shocked it’s mentioned. Out of all the beautiful and amazing places to see in such a diverse state as Washington, a Nuclear Site was chosen? Surely this student could have done so much better. Thank you for allowing comments.

Having been all around the Olympic Peninsula, I agree that’s there are better stops. But my understanding is that he really optimized for the quickest way to do all 48 and had to choose a point of interest that wasn’t too far off that optimal path, hence that choice (I think).

thanks for sharing this information with us.

I have taken a road trip from California to the the most northeastern part of theUS. west Quaby light house. it was my 1st trip across the us. .I seen so many amazing places.

Quite the drive for sure! Must have been epic.

Why do Americans always think the Statue of Liberty is in NY? it is in NJ. I’ve done road trips now that have taken in 39 states. Here’s a quiz to see how well you know the USA: Which state has only one syllable? Only one city has been name-checked on the moon. In which state is it? Which is the most Northerly of the contiguous states? In which state were Tennessee Williams and Elvis Presley born? Which was the last of the contiguous states to be admitted into the USA? Which four states all share a border with each other? Which state has the lowest population? Twelve cities are name-checked in “Get Your Kicks on Route 66” but only three states. Which? Which state has the longest name? Which two states have the most borders with other states? In which state is the geographical centre of the USA – and which one if you exclude Hawaii and Alaska? Which of the states of the USA has respectively the most Northerly, Southerly, Easterly and Westerly points?

The official Statue of Liberty address is Liberty Island, New York, NY, 10004.

Wow, these comments are very rude for no reason. Thanks for the article, maybe when I graduate from college I’ll consider hitting part of one of these itineraries.

“it’s a huge country (even larger than Canada when considering land area alone).”

Canada – 3.855 million mi² USA – 3.532 million mi² Where does this math fail you?

Where did reading fail you :P? It explicitly says “ when considering LAND area alone ” The quote you copied literally has a link provided under “even larger than Canada” and if you read that, it explains how Canada is only larger than the US due to water area being counted 🙂

There is no stop in North Dakota on the city version. You should stop in Fargo after Billings and before Sioux Falls

I’m 46 years old .. I have been to all 50 states and I’m 17 away from all 50 twice .. I have driven to 47 .. flown to Alaska, Hawaii and Washington..

Wow! That’s impressive :O

This is awesome

This is inspiring! Thank you for sharing!

“this roadtrip in only 9 days“ is extremely false statement. It is only 9 days if you are driving non stop, no breaks to even get out of your car, get gas, or actually see these places. From start to finish drive time it is 225 hours, 16 minutes = 9 days. Wow. Take some time to enjoy the view.

Yes, that’s what we said too 😛

Thanks for the tip 😊

Do you know the total distance of this itinerary? At what moment of the year doing this trip would be the best? Thanks!

Hi! It is 13,699 miles (22,046 km) for the landmarks itinerary and 12,290 miles (19,780 km) for the city version. You can even have the Google Maps links on the creator’s original post (I’ve reposted the link below). As for the timing, I guess it depends on your preferences, but I’d want to avoid that top half of the country (so half the itinerary) in the winter for sure! http://www.randalolson.com/2015/03/08/computing-the-optimal-road-trip-across-the-u-s/

Crappy itinerary! Does not even include Zion National Park… and so many stops in the North Eastern states?? Nobody cares about those places except maybe a couple of places.

As explained, the PhD student who built the itinerary wanted to have one stop per state, and there are many states in the North-East so that’s why there are many stops there. I agree that Zion is an iconic spot, but his goal was also to optimize a routing that was as short as possible so that’s why it’s billed as an itinerary to see all lower 48 states at once and not an itinerary to see *the best spots*. But those interested in doing this can definitely adapt it and add many interesting stops for sure 🙂

Curtis, you are crappy. Obviously this is meant as a guide that can be adapted to add spots. I think it’s awesome.

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Home » North America » USA » Best Road Trip

20 Best USA Road Trips • Famous Driving Destinations in 2024

Many will say that going on an epic road trip is the best and really the only way to experience America. This is the land of the open road, the roadside attraction, the roadside diner. If all roads lead to Rome, they must eventually make a detour in the United States, I say.

There is a lot that goes into planning a road trip in the USA. What to pack, what kind of car to rent, and, most importantly, where to go. There are a million routes out there and they all have their own merits and, in some cases, oddities.

I’ve assembled a list of some of the best and most classic road trips in the country. From East Coast to West Coast and Sea to Shining Sea, the finest stretches of good ol American-made asphalt are all found in this article. Through the desert, over the mountains, into the past, doesn’t matter; we’ve got them all covered right here.

So which Great American road trip will you take?

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20 Greatest Road Trips in the USA

Renting a car in the usa.

Let’s get down to brass tacks and start talking about the top American road trips there are! Here are twenty for you to choose from!

Don’t have a car yet? Well, we’re going to have to sort that out! Use rentalcars.com to find the best deals on the web and save heaps of cash!

1. California Route 1 – Pacific Coast Highway

The road trip in the usa to take before you die.

• States : California
• Start: San Diego
• End : Mendocino
• Total Distance: 656 miles
• Best Part: Camping in Big Sur

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What’s a trip to California without visiting the coast or the beach? The beach is one of the most important aspects of California livin’, after all. It is talked about during just about every other conversation in the state. Who could blame the natives for loving their coastline so much when you have superlative stops like Malibu, San Luis Obispo, and Point Reyes all there?

For the ultimate road trip in California , consider driving the entire stretch of the Pacific Route 1. This epic route, which should take at least a week (two for maximum enjoyment), seriously pulls out all the stops. Gorgeous coastline, bustling metropolises – like San Francisco and Los Angeles – and more than enough In n’ Out Burger joints all combine to make the perfect road trip itinerary. This is some of the best California has to offer.

Since you’ll be starting in San Diego, why not book a nice place to stay and soak up the city before departing?

2. Route 66

The classic road trip across america.

• States: Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona, California
• Start: Chicago, Illinois
• End : Santa Monica, California
• Total Distance:  2448 miles
• Best Part: The Americana

Route 66 is probably the first thing that springs to people’s minds when they think “Great American road trip.” Over the years, Route 66 has been practically immortalized – by Hollywood films, musicians, novels, etc – so much so that it is practically synonymous with the very idea of going on a road trip around the USA.

Since it passes through eight different states and four different regions, Route 66 offers a somewhat abridged version of American culture. You’ll get to see roadside attractions, antique gas stations, and eccentric diners; all staples of American weirdness.

One of the best parts of Route 66? Watching the landscape shift from the Great Plains and Mississippi wetlands to the deserts and mountains of the West Coast’s roadside landscapes . Entering Texas, New Mexico, and Arizona is a particularly surreal experience, as there is nowhere else quite like the American Southwest. If you have time, be sure to stop by Monument Valley for an iconic American backdrop.

The USA is  blisteringly beautiful. It’s also blisteringly expensive! Visiting two national parks in day can run you $70+ in entry fees.

Orrrr… you kick those entry fees to the curb, buy an annual ‘America the Beautiful Pass’ for $79.99,  and get unlimited access to ALL 2000+ federally managed sites in the States totally FREE!

You do the math. 😉

3. Skyline Drive

The most scenic mountain road trip on the east coast.

• States : Virginia
• Start: Front Royal
• End : Rockfish Gap
• Total Distance: 105 miles
• Best Part: Parking the car and going for a quick hike

It’s a favorite day trip for those visiting Washington DC for a simple reason: the Skyline Drive is one of the most accessible mountain drives in the USA. In just over an hour, one could easily escape from the politics and actions of the nation’s capital and be in the heart of Appalachian Country. For those who like long-winding mountain roads, this will be one of the best road trips in the USA.

The Skyline Drive traverses the entirety of Shenandoah National Park. This means that, besides offering breathtaking views, the route also affords access to many local trails. The epic and grueling AT (Appalachian Trail) runs parallel to Skyline Drive. Those who’ve dreamed of hiking (a section of) the thru-hike can do so at many points of the road.

For those looking for a more docile couple of days in Shenandoah, there are lots of campsites and little towns around worth visiting. Winchester has a rich Civil War history while sleepy Staunton is generally considered the prettiest town in the region.

Stay in Washington DC a few days before heading out and be sure to check out all the spectacular museums.

4. Going-to-the-Sun Road

The best way to see one of the best american national parks.

• States: Montana
• Start: West Glacier
• End : Saint Mary
• Total Distance: 50 miles
• Best Part: Seeing Saint Mary Lake for the first time

Glacier is one of the best national parks in the USA . It’s the kind of place that, once you’ve visited, makes you want to pack up your bags and move to Montana. I’ve dreamt of doing this before and I’m sure a lot of people share this dream with me.

The main road that traverses Glacier is called the Going-to-the-Sun Road and it is, without question, one of the most beautiful roads in the US. Firstly, it passes right next to the stunning Saint Mary Lake, which is one of the highlights of the park. It also provides quick access to some very good trails in the park, like Hidden Lake Lookout. This 3-mile round-trip hike starts at Logan’s Pass and offers views of the uniquely-shaped Bearhat Mountain.

It should be noted that the Going-to-the-Sun Road opens late in the season and closes early due to heavy snow. The road is closed for 7-8 months and crazy busy the rest of the year. There are quite a few hair point turns as well so remember to keep your cool out there when driving.

5. Olympic Peninsula Loop

Rainforests, glaciers, and beaches (oh my).

• States: Washington
• Start : Port Angeles
• End : Port Angeles
• Total Distance: 330 miles
• Best Part: Feeling the carpet in the Hoh Rainforest

Very few places to see in the USA are as geographically unique as the Olympic Peninsula. Here, you’ll find a huge diversity of landscapes, from glaciers to rainforest to rugged coastline. This is a paradise for outdoorsy types or, at least, those who can’t quite decide what kind of outdoor adventure they want to go on during their road trip in the USA.

There are too many cool spots on the Olympic Peninsula to talk about. Hurricane Ridge offers the most spectacular views of the surrounding mountains and also offers solid skiing in the winter. Rialto Beach is famous for its sea stacks that resemble those found commonly in Iceland. The Enchanted Valley is a very remote portion that requires an overnight hike but rewards visitors with, supposedly, 10,000 falls.

The best part about the Olympic Peninsula is exploring the Hoh Rainforest. Thanks to constant rain, the woods of the peninsula are overgrown, towering, and constantly lush. Go for walk here and you’ll see more shades of green then you previously thought possible.

If you’re passing through, then take a couple of nights booking a stay in Seattle before visiting the Olympic Peninsula!

6. Kancamagus Highway

For fall foliage fanatics.

• States: New Hampshire
• Start : North Woodstock
• End : Conway
• Total Distance: 56 miles
• Best Part: Being there in autumn

New Englanders are very proud people and there are certain things that you don’t talk shit about with them. Dunkin’ Donuts, lobster rolls, Tom Brady; even a whisper of ill will about any of these things is a sure way to piss of a local. Just as important to the New Englander identity as any of these though is it’s most noticeable natural phenomenon: the fall foliage.

From late-September to middle-October, the Patriots become slightly less talked about (until they eventually go to the Super Bowl) in lieu of the changing colors of the trees. New Englanders go crazy for the reds, oranges, and golds of the season; some plan whole weekend excursions in search of the best colors. Admittedly, it is pretty damn cool when you travel outside Boston and are hit by all those hues.

One of the most famous fall foliage road trips in New England is the Kancamagus Highway in New Hampshire. When the time is right (early-October), a cold fire hits the hills and they explode with color. The 56-mile stretch of the Kanc is never-ending foliage and shifting colors; it’s like driving through the barrel of a kaleidoscope. Just be warned: you and everyone else will be there – it gets busy in October!

7. San Juan Skyway

Colorful colorado at it’s best.

• States: Colorado
• Start : Durango
• End : Durango
• Total Distance: 233 miles
• Best Part: Dallas Divide Viewpoint

The San Juan Skyway is the best road trip in Colorado ! Nestled in the far southwestern corner of the state, this route offers some of the finest Rocky Mountain views you could hope for. The road twists and turns through the valleys of the San Juan Mountains, arguably the prettiest part of the Colorado Rockies, and visits many historical towns and viewpoints along the way.

This itinerary begins and ends in the former mining town of Durango. There’s not much to do here besides ride the old gauge railroad, which is admittedly pretty damn cool if you like old-school trains.

As you head north from Durango to Silverton, the scenery really starts to unfold. To the east, the rugged Weminuche goads avid climbers and hikers. To get the best views of the Weminuche and the nearby Grenadiers, be sure to stop at Molas Pass for a break.

Beyond Silverton is the remote resort town of Ouray and the Sneffels Wilderness. The Dallas Divide, which overlooks the Sneffels, is very popular with photographers, especially in autumn when the leaves change color.

After the Dallas Divide, it’s straight onto one of the most famous mountain towns in Colorado: Telluride. If you’re staying in Telluride during the summer, be sure to check for local festivals. During this time, there’s one almost every weekend.

Just got off the plane at Denver and need somewhere to crash? Check out our comprehensive accommodation guide for Denver and find something you like!

8. The Cascade Loop

The best of the “american alps”.

• States : Washington
• Start: Everett
• End : Everett
• Total Distance: 440 miles
• Best Part: The North Cascades to the San Juan Islands

This is THE ULTIMATE Pacific Northwest road trip! Seriously, there are few itineraries that offer such a huge array of activities. Alpine hiking, whale watching, breweries; these are just a few of an adventurer’s favorite things!

The Cascade Loop begins in Everett, which is just north of Seattle. Everett is a pretty little town although you will not want to miss out on visiting Seattle. From Everett, you’ll head east over Stevens Pass before turning north along the Columbia Basin until looping back west across the Washington Pass and the astounding North Cascades. You should end your road trip through Washington by spending a few days relaxing in the idyllic San Juan Islands.

If the previous paragraph felt like an oversimplification, I’m sorry; but the Cascade Loop is too grand to fit in this section. To learn more about the route, be sure to visit the official Cascade Loop website for heaps of more information!

We’ve tested countless backpacks over the years, but there’s one that has always been the best and remains the best buy for adventurers: the broke backpacker-approved Osprey Aether and Ariel series.

Want more deetz on why these packs are so  damn perfect? Then read our comprehensive review for the inside scoop!

9. Florida A1A – Overseas Highway

340 miles, almost all beaches.

• States : Florida
• Start: Amelia Island
• End : Florida Keys
• Total Distance : 340 miles
• Best Part: Driving across the Caribbean Sea

Knock it all you like for its douchey spring break parties and invasive retirees, but Florida still has some of the best beaches in all of the USA. As you may have gleaned from the subtitle of this particular USA road trip, almost all of them are accessible via a single highway.

The Florida A1A runs the entire length of the Atlantic Floridian Coast AND even further into the Caribbean Sea. The portion that connects the mainland to the Florida Keys (The Florida Key Scenic Byway) is considered an engineering marvel and this is one of the highlights of the trip. Gliding across the Caribbean and into the likes of Ernest Hemingway’s home on Key West is just too good.

But there is more to this Florida road trip than just the Keys. Fort Lauderdale is shedding its MTV beach party reputation (for a more laid back vibe). Cocoa Beach and Vero Beach still surf central. Plus, there’s always hedonistic and culturally rich Miami to demand your attention (probably too much).

Use our Miami travel guide to learn more about the city!

10. Lassen Scenic Byway

A “lasser-known” road trip in california.

• States : California, Oregon
• Start : Lassen Volcanic National Park, California
• End : Chemult, Oregon
• Total Distance: 500 miles
• Best Part: Ending at Crater Lake aka Heaven on Earth

The Lassen Scenic Byway is one of the most unknown and underrated road trips in America. The route can’t be faulted either – it’s located in the relative unknown of Northern California, which, unfortunately, only enters the news when there’s a forest fire or a rebellious splinter-nation about to spring up. Yet, Northern California and Lassen are just as beautiful as anywhere else in the state.

The Lassen Scenic Byway, which takes its name from the National Park where it starts, gives a grand overview of the region. Dormant volcanoes, bubbling springs, and waterfalls are just a few of the sights you’ll see along the way. Mt Shasta, which marks the beginning of the Cascade Range, is the most prominent landmark in the area. The Park boasts some of California’s best camping spots ; enjoy the breathtaking views at Heart Lake, or kayak around Manzanita’s calm waters.

The Lassen Scenic Byway also extends across the state border into Oregon. This means you can visit one of my all-time favorite places in the USA: Crater Lake. It is an enormous body of water, perfectly serene and close to fathomless. Every time I see it, Crater Lake reminds of Thoreau and what he said about lakes in general: “(they are) the Earth’s eye; looking into which the beholder measures the depth of his own nature.”

11. The Oregon Coast – USA Route 101

For those who like to wear sandals and sweaters (at the same time).

• States : Oregon
• Start: Brookings
• End : Astoria
• Total Distance: 363 miles
• Best Part: Southern Oregon Coast

Having spent much of my life in Portland, I’ve been on more than a few road trips in Oregon and there’s a special place in my heart for the Oregon Coast.

When I needed to get away from the city and work, I would run away to the coast. When my girlfriend and I wanted a romantic dinner, we’d skip the restaurants and instead buy fresh oysters from the local fishermen in Netarts. To me, the coast was my playground, my church, and my home away from home.

I’m not the only person who loves the Oregon Coast though – lots of people go on vacation here to get away from the madness of their lives (including everyone’s favorite Midwestern melodist, Sufjan Stevens). Apparently, the charm of old coastal towns and the particular moodiness of a cool, cloudy day is not lost on the others.

Mine romanticizing aside, the Oregon Coast is just a beautiful place to visit. The Southern portion, around Bandon, Langlois, and Samuel H. Boardman, is particularly notable as the scenery around here – rocky towers, jagged promontories, and enormous cliffs – are quintessential.

Given how sheer flippin’ magnificent the Oregon Coast is, make sure you know what areas to stay in as you drive through!

12. The High Road to Taos

The magical highway to everyone’s favorite hippy town.

• State: New Mexico
• Start : Sante Fe
• Best Part: The old Spanish architecture

New Mexico is like the weird aunt that always drives up to the family gatherings in her converted VW bus and talks about gemstones all night long. Not that this is a bad thing: we all love them for doing this and hope they never change. After all, these conversations are far more interesting than the ones we have with that one overly conservative uncle (I’m alluding to you, North Dakota).

New Mexico loves art, culture, and the surrounding nature that, in turn, inspires art and culture. People from all over the country, whether native or tourist, are inspired by landscapes and old Indian pueblos of the state (even the esteemed George R.R. Martin has drawn inspiration from this landscape).

One of the best ways to experience the magic of New Mexico is via the High Road to Tao scenic byway. Starting from the city of Santa Fe and ending in Taos, this road trip not only connects two of the most artistic cities in the state, but it also features a lot of interesting stuff in between.

Chimayó makes for a very interesting stop thanks to its namesake church, which promises to heal the sick. The San Francisco de Asís Mission Church is one of the most iconic buildings in the American Southwest and could easily serve as a prop for Tarantino or Sergio Leone western.

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Booking.com is quickly becoming our go-to for accommodation. From cheap hostels to stylish homestays and nice hotels, they’ve got it all!

13. Texas Hill Country

The “green” part of texas.

• States: Texas
• Start : Austin
• End : Austin
• Total Distance: Depends
• Best Part : The natural pools

Texas isn’t just desert and oil fields; there is plenty of greenery around if you know where to look. In fact, there are heaps of waterfalls and grottos to be found! Texas Hill Country is full of hidden wonders that most would’ve never thought could be found arid ol’ Texas. If you’re looking for some top-notch hiking in the States and want to try some of the tastiest BBQ in the state, then consider going on a trip here.

Texas Hill Country roughly refers to the elevated areas west of Austin. Many roads that go through this area; to visit a decent chunk of it will require you to take many different routes.

Generally speaking, the best parts of Texas Hill Country are around Highway 290. Locally beloved waterholes like Hamilton Pool, Pedernales Falls, and Jacobs Well are all within about 30 minutes detour.

There are many BBQ joints and spirit distilleries spread throughout Hill Country as well. If you want some of the most legendary BBQ in Texas, be sure to drop by Cooper’s Old Time Pit in Llano.

Austin is a bit of an underrated gem, so check out our insider travel guide and make sure you experience it fully.

14. Beartooth Highway

One of the most beautiful highways in america.

• States: Wyoming, Montana
• Start : Red Lodge, Montana
• End : Wyoming/Montana border via US 212
• Total Distance: 69 miles
• Best Part : Arriving at Beartooth Pass

For being one of the prettiest roads in America, it’s amazing how few people have probably heard about the Beartooth. When talking about what to do in Wyoming, most people talk about staying in Yellowstone or the Tetons more than anything. (Rightfully so! Those places are spectacular in their own right!)

Yet, just 2 hours away from the center of Yellowstone lies this stunner of a road trip, so stunning some say that it could easily compete with the aforementioned national park. Not to be taken lightly, this road starts at 5000 ft and climbs to a maximum height of nearly 11,000 ft. By the time you reach Beartooth Pass, you’ll be driving through high-alpine plateau; barren, humbling, and, most of all, awe-inspiring.

The drive is the show-stealer here but there’s still lots to do outside of the car on the Beartooth Highway. Lakes for fishing, trails for hiking, and kitschy shops for souvenirs all abound. Though the drive itself only takes 2-3 hours, one could easily spend several days here. Don’t just look at this as a way to connect Yellowstone and Glacier National Parks; think of this route as a park to be explored onto itself.

Things go wrong on the road ALL THE TIME. Be prepared for what life throws at you.

Buy an AMK Travel Medical Kit before you head out on your next adventure – don’t be daft!

15. The Hana Highway

A must-do on your hawaiian vacation.

• State: Hawaii
• Start : Kahului
• End : Haiku-Pauwela
• Total Distance: 64 miles
• Best Part: Playing “Spot the Waterfall”

Some people find the word “highway” in Hana Highway to be a gross exaggeration. “This isn’t a highway!” they might say; “this is a crooked alley in the middle of the jungle!” Fair enough fictional angry tourist I say.

The Hana Highway is not a typical highway: it’s narrow, winding, and sometimes scary to drive on. What would normally take an hour to drive will take more like two or three. The road is so small that parking on the side of the road is very difficult; sometimes it even turns into a single lane of traffic.

But the Hana Highway is worth the extra effort, of course. Waterfalls are everywhere along this road trip; during heavy rain, falls may spring up out of nowhere (be careful in this case actually). That quintessential Hawaiin lushness will be omnipresent as you coast through different areas of Maui , and you’ll even the opportunity to visit the beach! Pullover at Waianapanapa State Park just before Hana to see one of the better beaches on the island.

If you end up doing this Hawaiin road trip, just be sure to leave Kahului with a full tank of gas and snacks. There isn’t a whole lot in the way of food and gas stations along the way.

To be honest, Hawaii is yummy, expensive, and worthy of a proper adventure. Check out our budget travel guide for Hawaii and extend your trip a bit longer !

16. Charleston to Savannah

Southern comfort at its finest.

• States: South Carolina, Georgia
• Start : Charleston, NC
• End : Savannah, GA
• Total Distance : 108 miles
• Best Part : Comparing the two cities

It’s a well-known fact that there’s a long-standing rivalry between the cities of Charleston, SC and Savannah, GA. Both are competing against each other for the title of “most charming cities in the South” and the competition is fierce. Thanks to their close proximity, one could easily visit one on a weekend road trip!

Charleston is the smaller city; not so hectic and pretty down-to-Earth by many standards. It’s mostly known for its old plantations and Southern hospitality. A lot of people – especially the locals – like to say that Charleston is much more laidback than Savannah and consequently much more hospitable. You can find plenty of great Airbnbs in Charleston too, so it’s definitely a place to stop over for a bit longer.

Savannah, on the other hand, is the larger of the two cities. It was formerly and economic center of the region and, as such, expanded quite fast. The original Southern architecture is very well preserved, the best examples being the cobblestone streets themselves, the old-school neighborhoods of Savannah , and the nearby plantations. Fun fact: public drinking is also legal in Savannah, which does lead to the occasional, spontaneous block party 🙂

17. The Best of the American Southwest

Take a trip through one of the most beautiful parts of the usa.

• States : Nevada, Utah, Arizona
• Start: Las Vegas
• End : Las Vegas
• Total Distance: 1200 miles
• Best Part: Doing acid somewhere you love

This isn’t an established route; there is no single road that you’ll stay on over the course of this trip. What this is a collection of highways that together form without question one of the most phenomenal road trips around the USA.

The American Southwest is one of the most beautiful regions in the world; a dreamscape filled with surreal arches, bottomless canyons, and rocks painted by the passage of time. Hiking through the arid landscapes of Arizona or Utah is more fantasy than reality sometimes and, to me at least, a more appropriate place for Gods to inhabit than humans.

My mind reels when I think about how many wonders there are on this Southwestern road trip. The Grand Canyon, Vermillion Cliffs, Antelope Canyon, Havasupai; all of these could be considered amongst the most beautiful places in the world. Yet, I haven’t even talked about the national parks of Utah either! Zion, Canyonlands, Bryce Canyon, my god – it’s all too much to think about at once.

Love it or hate it, you’ll be visiting Las Vegas for this road trip, so you may as well make the most of it!

18. Route 61 – The Blues Highway

Visit some of the most significant musical sites in america.

• States: Louisiana, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas, Missouri, Iowa , Wisconsin, Minnesota
• Start : New Orleans
• End : Wyoming (Minnesota)
• Total Distance: 1,400 miles
• Best Part: Finding out where Robert Johnson sold his soul to the devil

A good American road trip doesn’t ALWAYS have to be about pleasant scenery or heritage sites. Sometimes, all a good road trip takes is an appreciation for our musical forefathers and a really good playlist to go with it.

Route 61 is called the Blues Highway because it has been a part of so many American musicians’ lives. Bastions of classic American music, like Memphis, Des Moines , St. Louis, and the classic southern destination New Orleans are all connected by this road.

That means the greatest blues singers, rockers, country wailers, and more have all, at one point in their lives, driven on this road. It goes without saying that a lot of shit has probably happened here then.

Route 61 is full of interesting and sometimes strange attractions. The BB King Museum, Heartbreak Hotel, and some of the most hallowed music venues and concert halls in the country are all along this route.

The coolest place to visit on this USA road trip? The infamous “crossroads” where Robert Johnson supposedly sold his soul to the devil for fame (at the intersection of Highway 1 and 8).

For a shorter version, road trippers can instead drive from New Orleans to Memphis and experience many of the same attractions.

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19. Seward Highway

A wild road trip in the usa’s most wild state.

• States: Alaska
• Start : Anchorage
• End : Seward
• Total Distance: 125 miles
• Best Part: The Kenai Fjords

Choosing between this and the George Parks Highway is a tough call. The option of seeing the monstrous Denali is possible with the latter, and that alone should be enough to entice people. But overall, the Seward Highway is probably the best road trip in Alaska .

Why is the Seward Highway great? Well, it’s not too long, not too far away from civilization, and it offers a little bit of everything. The drive itself is remarkable as you’ll be afforded views of both the Chugach Mountains and the rugged Alaskan coastline at the same time, plus a bear or two (or more) as well.

For those very adventurous folk, the Kenai Peninsula offers more than just road thrills. Kayaking in the fjords among the glaciers is available as is hiking in the Kenai Mountains. Just remember: if you do decide to go off into the wilderness, don’t forget to exhibit the usual bear safety.

Now things are getting wild! You’ll be starting with a stay in Anchorage so make sure you book an awesome place in an awesome spot… it’s cold up there!

20. Park Loop (Acadia National Park)

Rugged new england coastline.

• States: Maine
• Start : Hulls Cove Visitor Center
• End : Hulls Cove Visitor Center
• Total Distance: 27 miles
• Best Part : Sunset beers at Cadillac Mountain

Maine is one of the most popular road trip destinations on the East Coast during the summer. People travel here over the weekend from as far as New York City or Philadelphia in search of some far more positive vibes. The Maine coastline, long beloved for its lighthouses and sandy beaches, for one reason or another, has long been therapeutic to these city slickers.

When it comes to coastal routes, few can compare to the Park Loop at Acadia National Park. Towering conifers, fine beaches, and that rough coastline that defines New England are all featured here; all are accessible from your car. There are several hikes around that will take you to some pretty solid viewpoints as well. The sunset at Cadillac Mountain is particularly good with friends and brews.

Because everyone wants to travel to Maine these days, it can get pretty crowded during the summer. Traffic will be bad and accommodation will either be limited or expensive. Autumn, though only slightly less busy, is a nice time to visit because of foliage. Spring is a great time though you should definitely have a coat with you. Visiting in winter should only be for the mad or photographically-inclined.

BONUS: The Ultimate USA Road Trip (According to Science)

For niiieerrrdddsss (kidding).

• States : All 48 lower states
• Start: New York
• End : New York
• Total Distance: 13,700 miles
• Best Part: The end.

Does anyone remember when that viral image of the GREATEST ROAD TRIP ACROSS AMERICA EVER was making rounds on the web? How many people made plans to do the damn thing?

Admittedly, this road trip was more notable for its use of data, specifically using a genetic algorithm, which already sounds super cool. In lamens, this genetic algorithm allowed the whizzes behind this to see the greatest amount of American destinations with as little backtracking as possible.

So are you ready to tackle this bad boy? Are you really in the mood for the most epic USA road trip imaginable? Then put in that vacation time and pack the car up as much as you can. Don’t skimp on the Red Bull either – there are going to be a lot of long drives here folks.

With all of those competing companies and exorbitant deposits, renting a car in the USA can seem scary. Frankly, I don’t blame people if they ever felt intimidated in this country while trying to rent a car – there’s a real learning curve.

But booking a rental car can be much more manageable if you know a few things beforehand. Here’s what you need to know:

• You need a credit card to rent a car in America – They rental company will use it to take a deposit for the car.
• You have to be 18 – Even then, you’ll get charged more if you’re under 28. Younger drivers are seen as liabilities.
• Don’t book rental insurance with the rental company – Use a third party because they’re cheaper and have better protection. Rentalcover is a great choice.
• Do your research – Use search engines, like Rentalcars.com , to find the best prices. Sedans are usually the cheapest options. SUVs will cost much more.
• Gas prices are different in every state – Use ViaMichelin  to chart gas prices in each state. As a rule of thumb, gas is cheaper the closer you get to Texas and the South.
• Some credit cards offer rental insurance – Be sure to check if your credit card company will cover you in the case of an accident. If they do cover you, you’ll save heaps of money. You’ll need to book the car with THAT card to qualify, of course.
• Almost all American cars have automatic transmissions – I honestly think it might actually cost more to rent a manual…
• Check to see if there is a cleaning fee – If you made a small mess, most companies won’t charge you anything. Some shady ones will charge you a fortune for a gum wrapper though.

What to Pack for a Road Trip in the USA

First off: your road trip packing list is going to vary wildly depending on how long the itinerary is. If you’re just going for a weekend, then your list is going to be much trimmer and less demanding. But some road trips can last weeks or even months. If you’re like my friends, Kevin and Liz, you’ll eventually end up living out of your car at which point it may be time to consider investing in the vanlife .

When packing for a shorter road trip, go minimal . Take the essentials, like a roadside safety kit and some form of navigation for example, and then add more as needed. If you’re camping, take the appropriate gear. If you have a toddler, take a doona car seat stroller (it’s a seriously cool piece of engineering). If you want to save money, take lots of snacks and pre-made meals to avoid stopping at diners. Easy peasy.

On the other hand, if you’re planning a truly epic American road trip route, the likes of which would make Jack Kerouac or Alexander Supertramp jealous, then you’ll need much, much more stuff. I cannot cover everything in this single section of the article but I can suggest that you check out our road trip packing checklist for more ideas and suggestions.

Aside from knowing what to pack on your road trip in the USA, you’ll also need to know how to pack . If you have a lot of stuff, you will need to be conscious of how you organize everything, especially if you have a smaller, passenger-style vehicle. Get a system in place – use packing cubes and plastic bins to keep everything separated; bungee cables will be your best friends.

For more information on how to pack a car, check out this informative article at USA Today .

Wanna know how to pack like a pro? Well for a start you need the right gear….

These are packing cubes for the globetrotters and compression sacks for the  real adventurers – these babies are a traveller’s best kept secret. They organise yo’ packing and minimise volume too so you can pack MORE.

Or, y’know… you can stick to just chucking it all in your backpack…

What to do in Case of Trouble while Road Tripping in the USA

It should go without saying that you need to be prepared for your road trip in the USA. I would like to make a friendly reminder here to do so. Prepare thyself before embarking on your asphalt odysseys by having the following, at a minimum: a roadside emergency kit and some form travel insurance for the USA . 

A lot can go wrong on a road trip: tires can pop, accidents can happen, engines can stutter and stop. Getting stuck in the middle of nowhere because someone forgot to do something essential like change the oil could ruin your trip real fast.

ALWAYS sort out your backpacker insurance before your trip. There’s plenty to choose from in that department, but a good place to start is Safety Wing .

They offer month-to-month payments, no lock-in contracts, and require absolutely no itineraries: that’s the exact kind of insurance long-term travellers and digital nomads need.

SafetyWing is cheap, easy, and admin-free: just sign up lickety-split so you can get back to it!

Click the button below to learn more about SafetyWing’s setup or read our insider review for the full tasty scoop.

A roadside assistance kit will contain everything that you could need to fix small problems on the road. They can’t fix everything (you’ll need a mechanic for that) but at least you’ll be able to recharge a dead battery and arrest a bumper on the fly.

If the shit really hits the fan and your vehicle is really in trouble, that’s when the insurance comes in handy. If there’s a fatal problem with the car, trust me, it will be expensive, and having insurance means that you’ll have a bit of financial help.

Now you could invest in two types of insurance: regular travel insurance or special rental car insurance.

Some travel insurance providers provide basic vehicular coverage and will cover you in certain circumstances. World Nomads insurance is a good example. Granted, there is at times some fine print regarding who qualifies. For example, drivers from some US states cannot qualify for vehicular assistance with World Nomads. Always be sure to double-check.

If you want total protection, go with an independent rental insurance company like Rental Cover. Most offer excellent coverage at very reasonable rates, more so than the rental car company will give you.

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Beartooth highway tops out at just shy of 11,000 feet…. not 8000.

Thanks for pointing this out. I’ve changed the detail now.

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29 Amazing Road Trips USA: Scenic (& Underrated) Routes You’ll Love

Posted on Published: March 1, 2023  - Last updated: January 17, 2024

The US is filled with amazing sights, hikes and adventures from coast to coast. The absolute best way to experience everything it has to offer is by taking an amazing road trip! Here’s an epic list of the best road trips USA to find your next adventure.

This post may contain affiliate links. For more info, see my  disclosures .

One of the best perks about US road trips is you can take your time, admire the views, stop at fun road-side attractions and design the route exactly how you like! Whether you have a long weekend, a week, or even longer, these road trips across the US are full of a variety of cities, wide open spaces and some underrated spots you’re going to love.

From coast to coast and even a few bonus routes, this guide will help you get started in planning the greatest American roadtrip that’s just perfect for you!

Must-see video: road trips USA

Best road trips in USA map

Whether you’re hoping to explore close to home or take a bucket list cross-country road trip, this USA road trips list has something for everyone! Check out the map below to find which one works best for you.

By the way, I haven’t been everywhere (yet), so I’ve asked some of my fellow travel writers to help with this list of the best American road trips.

Essentials to pack on the greatest road trips in America

Before we dive into the list of USA road trip routes, make sure you’ve packed the right gear to help make your road trip go smoothly. Here are some top recommendations…

• Food and water. Regardless of how long of an adventure you choose, you’ll want some food or at the very least some snacks to keep that energy up! Here are 101 road trip food ideas . Don’t forget to bring reusable water bottles to fill up at hotels, restaurants and national parks so you can avoid buying single-use plastic bottles.
• Collapsible cooler. Store your food and drinks in a handy cooler, then fold it down when it’s empty for storage or to easily pack it up.
• Layers for weather. Depending on which epic US road trip you choose and the time of year you take it, be prepared for anything! From a light jacket or medium coat for hiking, an umbrella , sun hat or even the perfect merino wool layers for any season, you’ll want to be prepared.

• Good hiking gear. If you’re stepping foot in a national park on this list, or any other outdoor space with trails, you’ll want the right hiking gear. That means hiking shoes , socks, trekking poles and hiking backpack . As someone who’s hiked with and without the proper gear, I can say with confidence hiking is a lot easier and more comfortable with the right gear.
• Emergency preparedness items like satellite communicator and first aid kit . Whether you’re in your vehicle or are renting a car , be prepared for anything. This satellite communicator allows for 2-way communication anywhere it can see the sky – regardless of if you have cell phone service or not. Call for help on a hiking trail or road out in the middle of nowhere.
• GoPro. This awesome camera is perfect for recording epic road trips! Hang this GoPro out the window or sunroof while another person is driving, go underwater with it or use it to capture amazing landscapes. Maybe not an ‘essential,’ but certainly fun if it’s in your budget! 🙂

By the way, if you need to rent a car for these epic road trips, try using Discover Cars . It’s a search engine for the major car carriers that finds the lowest price, and it’s free to use. I typically save 10-30% on car rentals with Discover Cars .

Best road trips USA

YAY! You’re ready to start planning your bucket list road trip! You’re going to love this amazing list of the best road trips in America!

1. Utah national parks road trip (one of the absolute best road trips in America)

Distance: 878 miles Recommended time: 6-10 days Best time of year: spring, summer or fall

For out-of-this world landscapes, you’ll love an Utah national parks road trip through the Mighty 5! From crazy rock spires known as hoodoos in Bryce Canyon to the vast, wide open spaces in Canyonlands National Park, there’s so much to see and do on this road trip!

For the most efficient use of your time, fly into Salt Lake City and start your adventure in Moab. Home to Arches National Park and Canyonlands National Park, you’ll want to spend at least 2 days exploring this area – more if you have time!

Spend one day in Arches by hiking to Delicate Arch – the most famous rock arch in the world! See Landscape Arch and The Windows areas of the park, too. With the popularity of this park over the last 5 years, you’ll need a timed entry reservation , so be sure to plan in advance!

Discover the best hikes in Canyonlands National Park. From the short, 0.5 mile trail to Mesa Arch, to the breathtaking Grand View Point trail. Don’t forget to stop at the scenic overlooks – Green River and Grand View Point.

From there, head west to Capitol Reef National Park. Visit the Fruita orchards and do the Hickman Bridge Trail hike. Allow at least an hour for the scenic drive as well. It’s easy enough to see the park highlights in day, or take more time to explore more hiking trails.

Next is Bryce Canyon National Park. Home to the funky hoodoo rock formations, these views are incredible any time of year. Be sure to check out the views at Inspiration Point, and if you’re up for a hike, do the Queens Garden Trail and Navajo Loop combination. So cool!

Lastly, head to Zion. One of the most visited national parks in the country, and for good reason! This massive canyon is so incredible from almost anywhere in the park. Popular hikes like The Narrows and Angels Landing (permit required) and Canyon Overlook Trail don’t disappoint !

The final part of this trip is just heading to Las Vegas to fly back home. This trip can be done year round, but some of the roads and hikes in the national parks will be closed during the winter months due to snow and ice, so it’s recommended during spring, summer and fall.

Recommended by me – Nikki of Inspired Routes

2. Ozark Mountains

Distance: 200 miles Recommended tim e: 2-3 days Best time of year: April-June or September-November

One of the best road trips in USA is a trip through the Ozark mountains in northern Arkansas. There is so much to see and do on this road trip and it’s perfect for a 2-3 day weekend.

This exciting road trip will start in Little Rock and end in Eureka Springs. The total mileage of this trip is 200 miles and driving straight through takes 3 hours and 25 minutes.

One of the best stops along the way is at the Natural Bridge just outside of Clinton . It spans 100 ft and was actually used as a bridge in the past. The next best stop on this road trip is at the Buffalo National River. You can go on an awesome  Buffalo River float trip , and stay in one of the adorable VRBO cabins the area has to offer.

After spending a day floating down the river, head to excursion train , one of Arkansas’ best towns. You can spend days checking out this charming town. Make sure that you check out the Eureka Springs & North Arkansas Railway while you’re there! You can go on an excursion train, a lunch train, and a dinner train and see some of the gorgeous scenery in the area.

One of the best places to stay in Eureka Springs is at this incredible unique Hobbit Cave Hotel where you can actually stay in a cave for the night. The best time of the year to do this road trip is either in the spring or fall when the weather isn’t too hot and the Buffalo River is great for floating. 

Recommended by Jessica of Unearth the Voyage

3. Beartooth Highway (one of the greatest road trips in America)

Distance: 68.7 miles Recommended time: 1+ day Best time of year: June-September

Charles Kuralt called the Beartooth Highway “the most beautiful drive in America.” This scenic USA road trip route begins in Red Lodge, Montana, and ends in Cooke City and the northeastern entrance to Yellowstone National Park. At 68.7 miles, it’s a short drive, but you’ll want to allow several hours to take advantage of as many scenic views as possible.

While  Beartooth Highway  is a route where the drive is the destination, there are some must-stop places. A stop at Beartooth’s scenic overlook will give you a glimpse of the peak for which the mountain range and the highway is named after. During this US road trip, you should also stop at Rock Creek Vista Point where you’ll be met with majestic views at 9,190 feet . Don’t be surprised to see marmot and scampering chipmunks while you admire the views.

If you’re looking for a place to stay, Top of the World Resort has vacation rentals. They also have camping for tents and RVs, and you can rent UTVs and Snowmobiles. Skiers will love Beartooth Basin Summer Ski Area.

Because Beartooth Highway is the highest elevation road in the Northern Rockies, it’s closed most months of the year . It typically opens in late May or early June and closes around October. Summer squalls have been known to happen, so it’s always best to find out ahead of time if the road is open.

Recommended by Theresa of The Local Tourist

Looking for adventure a little further north? This guide will help you plan an amazing Canadian road trip !

4. Florida Springs

Distance: 165 miles Recommended time: 3-5 days Best time of year: November-February

Without a doubt, a Florida Springs road trip is one of the best US road trips of them all. In fact, Florida is actually home to more freshwater springs than any other state in the nation . So, make the most of this fact and enjoy a fantastic road trip to some of the best natural springs in Florida . 

Now, if you’re starting near Tampa then this road trip will take between three and five days to complete. After all, many of these spots are secluded in the wilderness and require that you have an RV or do a bit of camping. 

So, while this USA road trip really only covers a distance of 165 miles, each spot is truly awesome and could easily keep you busy for a day.

Once in Tampa go a bit north to see the Weeki Wachee Springs. Sure, this natural spring is amazing but the real highlight of your visit will be the mermaid show. In fact, it is held in an underwater theater and is one of the coolest things you will ever see. 

Continue to Three Sisters Springs in Crystal River Natural Wildlife Refuge. Rent a kayak and enjoying all that Manatee Springs has to offer. 

Just know that while this is a great place to see Manatees, there are typically only found in the water here during the winter months. Plan your visit for this time of year so that you can get up close and personal with these gentle giants. 

Whatever you do though, don’t forget to visit Ginnie Springs. There are some great camping spots here. It’s an epic place to relax, take in the scenery, and do a bit of tubing. 

Finally, head to Ichetucknee Springs and end your road trip here. Check out the famous blue hole which is a great place to go cave diving, snorkeling, tubing, hiking, swimming, and more. There’s also tons of cool fish in the water so be on the look out for them as they swim by.

Recommended by Victoria of Florida Trippers

5. Extraterrestrial Highway, Nevada (out of this world USA Road Trip!)

Distance: 98 miles Recommended time: 1 day Best time of year: October-April

If you’re looking for a quirky USA road trip you won’t soon forget, consider  driving Nevada’s Extraterrestrial Highway !

This road trip spans 98 miles on State Route 375 between the towns of Crystal Springs and Warm Springs. Along the way, you are treated to arid desert landscapes, mostly desolate roads, and plenty of alien-themed attractions. 

There are lots of unique stops along this route. You have ET Fresh Jerky where you can buy alien-themed snacks. There’s the iconic Extraterrestrial Highway sign plastered in stickers left behind by pilgrims who’ve made the trek from far and wide. And don’t pass up the Alien Research Center where you can buy souvenirs and hear some UFO lore.

As you continue driving along the ET Highway you’ll see the Black Mailbox, where believers come to leave mail and other trinkets for otherworldly creatures. And lastly, there’s the Little A’le’inn, which is a motel, bar and restaurant which is hard to miss thanks to the UFO-towing pick-up truck out front!

This is a road trip that can be easily done in one day . However, you can tack it onto a bigger Nevada itinerary.

Also, while the Extraterrestrial Highway can be driven any time of year, it’s probably best to avoid the summer months when the desert temperatures are a scorcher. This road trip would be much more enjoyable if done in spring or autumn.

As far as accommodations go, you can stay in Las Vegas which is only 1 hour 37 minutes from the starting point of Crystal Springs. 

As a final tip, fuel up before you begin driving the ET Highway; this area is fairly remote with very little traffic, so you wouldn’t want to get stranded!

Recommended by Audrey of That Backpacker

6. Washington DC to Boston

Distance: 440 miles Recommended time: 2+ days Best time of year: September – October

A road trip from Washington DC to Boston is the perfect way to take in the changing colors of fall. The journey will take at least 2 days and cover a total of 440 miles with stops in New York, Philadelphia and Providence.

Starting out from Washington DC, you’ll have a chance to explore the nation’s capital. It’s home to famous monuments like the Lincoln Memorial, The White House and the Smithsonian Museum .

If you’re taking a longer route towards New York City, you can even stop off at Gettysburg National Military Park along the way.

Once in New York, there’s plenty to keep travelers entertained! From iconic landmarks like Central Park, Times Square and Rockefeller Center to exciting attractions like Broadway shows, shopping boutiques and gourmet restaurants.

From there it’s just a short drive up to Philadelphia. Visit historic sites such as Independence Hall or experience some of its world class cultural institutions like the Philadelphia Museum of Art or Liberty Bell Center. You may also want to make sure that your itinerary includes stops at local favorites like Reading Terminal Market and South Street for an authentic Philly cheesesteak sandwich! 

Continuing northward towards Providence, you’ll be surrounded by stunning natural scenery as you pass through Connecticut and Rhode Island. On this leg of your journey, you should make time for some outdoor activities. Think whale watching on Narragansett Bay, biking along Newport’s Cliff Walk or hiking in Lincoln Woods State Park.

Finally reaching Boston will be worth all 7 hours and 30 minutes of total drive time it takes to get there! Take some time to explore picturesque spots such as Harvard Yard or Fenway Park before enjoying a classic lobster roll dinner at one of the city’s seafood restaurant s. Don’t forget about all the shopping opportunities in downtown either – including everything from vintage bookstores to designer apparel stores.

If you’re looking for family-friendly adventures even further north, consider expanding your trip into Ontario, Canada. Silent Lake Provincial Park is outside of Bancroft, Ontario and offers excellent recreation, including some of the best campgrounds in Ontario .

Recommended by Victoria of Guide your Travel

7. Seward to Denali, Alaska (one of the best US road trips for wildlife)

Distance: 767 miles (from Anchorage airport) Recommended time: 7 days Best time of year: June-September

For adventurers looking to add to their road trips USA bucket lists, a 7 day Alaska road trip itinerary from Seward to Denali should be at the top of your list. 

Fly into Anchorage and rent a car before making the 2.5 hour drive on the Seward Highway to the start of your trip in Seward. Stop at the Alaska Wildlife Conservation Center to break up the drive and stretch your legs while you check out the bears, moose, reindeer and more that they care for in their sanctuary.

Seward is a perfect base for a visit to Kenai Fjords National Park. Spend 2 days here doing an iceberg kayaking excursion at Bear Glacier lagoon . Or take a whale watching cruise where you’ll see tons of aquatic wildlife in addition to a glacier calving. The Exit Glacier hike is another interesting thing to do.

Then it’s time for a 2 hour drive north to the popular Alyeska Resort . They have plenty of summer activities including terrific hikes and stunning views from the top of the Gondola ride. Stay overnight.

Next stop is Talkeetna – the small town made famous for being the inspiration for TV show Northern Exposure. It’s also the starting point for climbers planning a Denali summit.

You can get a bird’s eye view by taking a flightseeing tour of Denali with a glacier landing before spending your last 2 days at Denali National Park exploring wildlife and nature. 

The total distance from Seward to Denali is 397 miles . Doing the trip in a loop from the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport is 767 miles. Not too bad for 7 days of non-stop fun!

The best time for this road trip is summertime but if you can brave cold autumn weather you’ll also have the chance to be rewarded with spectacular Northern Lights! Make sure to plan your trip well in advance to get the best rates.

Even though it’s not in the continental US, it’s still one of the very best road trips in America!

Recommended by Jenifer of The Evolista

8. Newfound Gap Road, Smoky Mountains USA road trip

Distance: 30 miles Recommended time: 1 day Best time of year: September-Early November

Smoky Mountains is one of the most visited national parks of the USA! It covers South Carolina and Tennessee in the southeastern region of the US. Many  scenic drives on the Smoky mountains road trip  are worth doing, but the most famous is Newfound Gap Road (US-441). 

This American roadtrip starts from Sugarlands Visitor Center and ends at the Mountain Farm Museum in North Carolina. It connects Cherokee and Gatlinburg and is an approximately 30 Mile one-way trip.

Many scenic stopovers are on Newfound gap road in Smoky Mountain National Park and can be done in one day trip. Chimney Tops, Campbell Overlook, Newfound Gap, Rockefeller Memorial, Morton’s Gap Overlook, Oconaluftee Valley Overlook, and Mingus Mill are the most famous stopovers. 

The whole road trip is scenic, passing through a forest of Smoky Mountains with a view of foggy, misty peaks overlooking valleys and tunnels. The best time to make this road trip is during fall. You can see a fantastic riot of fall colors throughout this drive. 

Book your stay in the mountainous town of Gatlinburg for this road trip in the Smoky mountains. There are many cozy cabins with amazing views to choose from.

It’s important to note that the whole area is foggy and misty throughout the year, so it’s worth it to check the fog conditions before driving as sometimes it can be very foggy, and driving becomes very difficult. 

This is one of the best USA road trip routes, and can be done in conjunction with a larger trip to the Smokies.

Recommended by Yukti of Travel with me 24 x 7 Blog

More of the best road trips USA

With so many good options all over the country, how do you ever choose? Let’s keep exploring more options before you choose your perfect adventure…

9. Route 66 (one of the classic US road trips!)

Distance: 2,448 miles Recommended time: 7+ days Best time of year: September-Early November

Route 66, also known as the Mother Road, is one of the most iconic road trip routes in the USA. Starting in Chicago, IL, and ending in Santa Monica, CA, the route goes through Illinois, Missouri, Kansas, Oklahoma, Texas, New Mexico, Arizona and California. 

Covering a total of 2,448 miles, the route offers tons to see and do . Set aside a week to do justice to the trip, more if you can afford it!

Take in the many sights along Lake Shore Drive in Chicago, from Lincoln Park to Soldier Field, before heading out. Admire the State Capitol in Springfield and visit the Cahokia Mounds, a UNESCO World Heritage Site before crossing the Mississippi River.

In Missouri, admire Gateway Arch in St. Louis . Then snap a photo of Red’s Giant Hamburg, the world’s first known drive-through! Stay at the Drury Plaza Hotel at the Arch in downtown St. Louis. 

In Texas, possibly the most famous attraction along the route is Cadillac Ranch, in Amarillo, but Shamrock makes for a nice stop as well.

In New Mexico, the route passes through the major cities of Santa Fe and Albuquerque, both of which offer tons to do. Adventure-loving travelers should try hot air ballooning in Albuquerque!

Spend a night in Tucumcari, where you will find some iconic Route 66 motels such as the Blue Swallow Motel. 

In Arizona, the stretch between Kingman and Seligman is considered historic. Also be sure to check out the Wigwam Motel in Holbrook. In Seligman, stay at the Supai Motel , a vintage Route 66 motel. 

Route 66 in California  passes through the Mojave Desert and a string of small ghost towns and roadside attractions. Elmer’s Bottle Ranch is one of the more popular stops. 

Pasadena is home to several Route 66 sights, and also to The Huntington, a complex of beautiful Southern California gardens.

Although not where the original road ended, today you will find the End of the Trail sign on the Santa Monica Pier. Pose for a photo under the sign to celebrate the completion of your road trip!

Recommended by Dhara of Roadtripping California

10. Coastal Carolinas road trip

Distance: 600 miles Recommended time: 7 days Best time of year: June-October

If you’re a foodie, history buff, or family, you’re going to love a  Coastal Carolinas Road Trip . This approximately 600-mile route (one way) takes you from the Deep South starting in Charleston, SC, up the entire Carolinas’ coast, and ends in the small naval city of Norfolk, VA.

Budget about a week of travel to immerse yourself in this land of pirates, beaches, and the North Carolina marshes you might know from  Where the Crawdads Sing .

Plan to spend at least one full day in Charleston’s historic downtown. As you make your way north, consider a night or two in either Myrtle Beach, SC or checking out the Wilmington beaches in North Carolina.

Don’t miss a stop in New Bern to visit the birthplace of Pepsi Cola. Devote at least 2 days to exploring the beaches and lighthouses of the Outer Banks . Be sure to check out the hidden gem – Pea Island , particularly the wildlife refuge!

The Wrights Brother National Monument is another Outer Banks must-see. Also, if you’re not eating your weight in seafood on this road trip, you’re not doing it right! 

You can do this road trip any time of year, but you’ll find the most crowds over school vacations, especially summer vacation and spring break. Autumn is an ideal time to do a Coastal Carolinas road trip. Just keep in mind that many Outer Banks businesses – especially restaurants – operate seasonally, so plan accordingly.

It’s most convenient to do this road trip with a multi-city plane ticket and one-way car rental . Fly into Charleston, drive north in your rental car, and fly out of Norfolk.

For a cheaper, but more time-consuming option, fly in and out of either Charleston or Norfolk. If you opt for a round-trip plane ticket, you’ll need to make a 7-hour drive on Interstate 95 at either the start or end of your adventure.

Recommended by Ada of Beyond the Yellow Brick Road

11. LA to Joshua Tree National Park – (a desert oasis road trip in the USA)

Distance: 130 miles Recommended time: 3+ days Best time of year: April-May or September-November

One of the best USA road trip routes is driving from LA to Joshua Tree National Park. It’s a relaxing way to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, and in only a few hours, you’ll be in a desert oasis. While it’s only 130 miles one way, traffic can take up more of your time than you want. That’s why I recommend taking 3 days to go from Los Angeles to Joshua Tree and back so you can fully enjoy all the different sites there.

On the first day, start off by checking out the Cabazon Dinosaurs. They’re giant roadside dinosaurs you’ve probably seen on Instagram, and there’s even a museum to learn more about them. From there, continue until you get to Big Morongo Canyon Preserve for gorgeous views and hiking trails.

Finally, crash in Twentynine Palms for the night – they have affordable lodging and fun places to see, like the Twentynine Palms Historical Society and Adobe Museum.

On the second day, head out to explore  Joshua Tree National Park ! You could spend days exploring! If you’re short on time, Jumbo Rocks is a great spot to watch rock climbers in action, and Barker Dam offers a chance to find water in the desert and see some historic ruins. Lost Horse Mine is an abandoned gold mine you can explore, and the Cholla Cactus Garden is a great place to catch the sunrise.

For your last day, check out the Palm Springs area. Downtown has many options for amazing food, drinks, museums, and shopping. Who knows, you might even bump into a celeb!

The Palm Springs Aerial Tramway is a fun ride with epic views of the desert landscape and access to Mount San Jacinto State Park’s hiking trails. Grab dinner up there and catch the last tram of the night for a memorable end one of the greatest road trips in America.

Recommended by Marissa of Postcards to Seattle

12. Talimena Scenic National Byway (a completely underrated route on this road trips USA list)

Distance: 54 miles Recommended time: 1-3 days Best time of year: October-November

The  Talimena Scenic National Byway  is a 54-mile scenic route that winds its way through the Ouachita Mountains in southeastern Oklahoma and southwestern Arkansas. It’s one of the best US road trips in the south!

Stretching between Talihina, Oklahoma, and Mena, Arkansas, the route’s name is a portmanteau of these two terminal cities. You can drive the route one way or as an out-and-back, depending on the remainder of your trip itinerary . For example, those on a cross-country road trip will typically do the route one-way. But those enjoying a vacation in nearby Broken Bow or Hochatown will do the route as an extension of their trip and usually drive both ways.

While you can accomplish the trip in one day, it’s best to spend a weekend of 2 to 3 days exploring. This way you can spend time in Talihina and Mena as well as explore the state parks and hiking trails along the route.

Talimena State Park in Oklahoma and Queen Wilhelmina State Park in Arkansas both offer camping sites and hiking trails . The US Forest Service maintains them.

Whether you choose to camp along the way or stay in one of the towns on either end of the route, you need to make your bookings in advance. This is a more rural part of the country. There are many times of the year when there won’t be any rooms available at the last minute.

The best time of year is to take the trip in the last week of October or the first 2 weeks of November when the fall foliage is peaking. However, the viewpoints and vistas along this national scenic byway are beautiful any time of year.

Recommended by Stephanie of History Fangirl

13. Pacific Coast Highway (a favorite on this list of road trips USA)

Distance: 615 miles Recommended time: 2 – 7 days Best time of year: anytime

Undoubtedly, the Pacific Coast Highway is one of the greatest road trips in America. Incredible coastal views greet you from a mix of big cities and untouched land. This San Francisco to San Diego road trip is one you absolutely must do in your lifetime!

While you could *technically* do this road trip in 2 days, you’ll see and experience a lot more of this incredible drive if you give yourself more time. Fly into San Francisco and rent a car and head south towards San Diego!

While there are so many amazing stops along the way, you absolutely must stay for a moment in Carmel-by-the-Sea. A charming beach town with beautiful architecture, this is one of the last stops to eat and fuel up before heading deep into Big Sur.

Along the way, there are so many cool and amazing things to do in Big Sur . Highlights include the Bixby Creek Bridge, McWay Falls and Sand Dollar Beach.

As you head further south in California, you’ll get to quaint beach towns than large Southern California cities. Go surfing or hiking near San Luis Obispo. Wine tastings in Lompoc, hang out on the beach in Malibu and visit the Santa Monica Pier.

The end this epic American roadtrip in a city that’s easy to love – San Diego. Visit the birthplace of California in Old Town San Diego and indulge in one of the many Mexican restaurants there. Check out the nightlife in the Gaslamp district or watch the sunset on the sparkling Coronado Beach.

This road trip can be done at any point in the year. The weather along Big Sur can be a bit moody with marine fog in the late spring/ early summer and wildfire season during early fall. Just pack layers for comfort and bring your camera for amazing landscapes!

14. Athens to Macon, Georgia

Distance: 93 miles Recommended time: 3-4 days Best time of year: anytime

Even though about 93 miles (less than two hours) separate Athens and Macon, Ga., the destinations share something in common besides just being college towns : both have played (and continue to play) a role in shaping American music culture. 

A three- or four-day getaway is suitable throughout the year, even in the winter, since the weather in Georgia tends to be mild-ish. Still, it is weather and can change ~ always have an umbrella available and except for summer, dress in layers.

It can be crowded in Athens during University of Georgia home football games in the fall. The best thing to do is to check the calendars and watch the weather reports. Accommodations in both places include vacation rentals, bed and breakfasts, chain hotels and boutique hotels. Something suitable for all needs and budgets.

Begin this American roadtrip in Macon. It’s a little over an hour from Atlanta (for those who may be flying into Atlanta-Hartsfield Jackson Airport) and a straight drive down I-75 South. 

Macon’s music history ranges from soul with Otis Redding, funk with Little Richard, Southern Rock with Allman Brothers and much more. Download Macon’s Macon Music Trail app for stories and locations of attractions like the Allman Brothers Band Museum at the Big House and The Little Richard House .

For true fans, a guided walking tour with Rock Candy Tours provides a detailed look at Macon’s music heritage. Finally, grab lunch at H&H Soul Food for the fried chicken and the connection to the Allman Brothers and end the evening at a music venue.

The drive from Macon to Athens is on highways. If you’re on good on time, take a break in Madison (about 35 minutes from Athens) to enjoy its quaint historic downtown.

Athens was at the forefront of the indie and rock alternative rock movement, introducing America and the world to R.E.M and B-52s, among others. A self-guided Athens Music History Tour highlights the many sites that played a role during these times . And don’t miss the Athens Music Walk of Fame, a two-square-block area downtown showcasing the people and places of the city’s rich music scene. 

Live music venues are plentiful in Athens, and festivals like Athfest, a three-day music event. This will surely be one of the best road trips in America for music-lovers!

Recommended by Apryl from   Southern Hospitality Magazine  

15. Road to Hana, Maui (a quintessential route on your road trips USA list)

Distance: 52 miles Recommended time: 1- 2 days Best time of year: any time of year

The  Road to Hana  is a scenic 52-mile highway on Maui’s northern coast. A bucket list road trip, it provides one of the most iconic experiences in Hawaii, and for a good reason. It’s truly one of the greatest road trips in America!

On the narrow road, you will encounter 620 curves and 59 bridges, with many sections only accommodating one vehicle.

Whether staying in Maui or visiting for the day by cruise ship, pick up a car rental at the Kahului Airport to begin your journey . Expect to spend at least 2-1/2 hours making the drive or longer if you intend to go beyond Hana to Haleakala National Park.

You can make the trip any time of year (thanks to Hawaii’s great weather). You’ll need to purchase a visitor’s pass to visit the national park.

What makes this drive so spectacular is the plethora of scenery you can observe along the way. Imagine roadside cascading waterfalls, rainbow eucalyptus trees, a lava tube, and colored beaches begging for exploration.

For one of the best opportunities to view Hawaiian sea turtles, stop at Ho’okipa Beach, where they often bask in the sun . Keanae Landing, another can’t-miss stop, allows you to taste Aunt Sandy’s Banana Bread, rated highly worldwide.

If you want to spend more than a day exploring the Hana area, the Hana-Maui Resort, a Destination by Hyatt Residence , offers a luxury stay with a restaurant and spa.

USA road trip tip : If you aren’t visiting Maui by cruise ship, plan to drive the Road to Hana when there are no ships in port. Then you’ll share the highway with fewer tourists.

Recommended by Karen of Forever Karen

16. Blue Ridge Parkway (vibrant fall colors American roadtrip)

Distance: 469 miles Recommended time: 3+ days Best time of year: October

Blue Ridge Parkway is one of the most iconic scenic drives in America. It passes through Virginia and North Carolina where the endpoints are two national parks – Shenandoah National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.

It spans 469 miles so it’s recommended to spend 3 days driving Blue Ridge Parkway so you have plenty of time to stop at overlooks, go hiking to waterfalls and explore local museums along the way.

If driving from north to south, on day one, be sure to stop at Humpback Rocks Visitor Center to learn about mountain pioneers. Then head to Yankee Horse Ridge for an easy to get to multi-tiered waterfall, Kanawha Canal Lock to learn about this historic innovation, and Mabry Mill, one of the most beautiful and iconic stops along the parkway.

Stay at the Grassy Creek Cabooses your first night for a unique experience sleeping in a converted train car.

On your second day, visit Puckett Cabin, where a mountain midwife helped deliver over 1000 babies! Visit the Blue Ridge Music Center where you can catch bluegrass concerts, and Linn Cove Viaduct, arguably the most iconic curve of the parkway that’s a photography hotspot.

You’ll end day two in Asheville where there are a number of places to stay, especially downtown!

On the final day of this US road trip, explore Great Smoky Mountains National Park where the highlights include Laurel Falls , Cades Cove, and Clingman’s Dome.

If hoping to catch the most spectacular views, try to visit during autumn when the fall foliage is out in full swing – it’s one of the best fall drives in the country!

Important Note: When traveling on Blue Ridge Parkway, be sure to check the official notices by the National Park Service as some parts of the road may be closed due to construction or weather damage.

Recommended by Alanna of Periodic Adventures

17. Oregon Coast (one of the absolute greatest road trips in America)

Distance: 730 miles Recommended time: 2-7 days Best time of year: June-August

If you’re looking for one of the most dramatic road trips in the United States, consider driving along the Oregon Coast. This awesome American roadtrip offers rugged beaches, jaw dropping seascapes, and dozens of charming towns to explore. 

Start the drive in Portland and head an hour and a half west to Cannon Beach, one of the most adorable towns along the coastline and known for its iconic sea stack, Haystack Rock. Here, you can peruse its quaint downtown, explore the beach’s tidepools, and hit any of the incredible hikes near Cannon Beach . For example, head to Ecola State Park for the Crescent Beach trail, where you’ll hike to a secluded beach.

Continue further south to the town of Newport. Here, you stop by the town’s docks to see dozens and dozens of sea lions. They happily bark the day away and stop at Seal Rock State Park, known for its wildlife sighting opportunities and unique sea stacks.

Finally, head further south to the southern section of the Oregon coast, Brookings. This is home to the Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor, with some of the most stunning views in the state.

There’s a variety of things to do in the park, from stopping at scenic overlooks to exploring its hidden beaches. Once you’re done taking in the breathtaking sights, head back to Portland, completing a 730 mile loop around the western portion of the state. 

While you could drive the coastline in a day or two, the small towns along the way are best savored slowly. If you can build in about a week to mosey your way down the coastline, that would be best.

If you can swing it, visiting in the summertime is the best . The temperature is warm, the skies are clear, and you’ll have the best chance of spotting wildlife, like gray whales and puffins.

Although, the Oregon Coast is also dreamy December – February when there’s far less people too. The Oregon Coast is also one of the best winter road trips , too!

Recommended by Jessica from Uprooted Traveler

18. Savannah to Charleston

Distance: 107 miles Recommended time: 4 – 7 days Best time of year: April – June, September – November

If you’re interested in a coastal getaway and are a fan of majestic old oaks, Southern-style dining, and incredible architecture, then a road trip from Savannah to Charleston might be just the ticket! A week is an ideal amount of time to get a taste of these two pretty cities and the stunningly beautiful  South Carolina Lowcountry  that lies between them.

Begin your journey in Savannah, where you might feel as if you’ve stepped back in time a couple hundred years! The Historic District is filled with architecture from the mid-1800s . Cobblestone streets line the waterfront, and each square is shaded by old oaks covered in Spanish moss.

Stay in a historic property like  The Marshall House  or  Hamilton-Turner Inn .

While in Savannah, be sure to take a stroll down Jones Street, view the interior of the Cathedral Basilica of St. John the Baptist, and dine at one of the city’s award-winning restaurants. (Common Thread, The Grey, and Brochu’s Family Tradition are three excellent options!)  

Savannah and Charleston are 107 miles apart, and the drive between them takes about 2 hours. HWY 17 to I-95 back to HWY 17 is the fastest route, but Okatie HWY is the most scenic way to go. Don’t miss a brief stop in Yemassee to see the Old Sheldon Church Ruins.

Beaufort is an ideal halfway stopping point along the route. It’s such a small city that you only need to stay one night to get a good overview (try the Cuthbert House Inn). Be sure to take a sunset stroll along the waterfront park and go on   a walking tour to see the beautiful historic homes in The Old Point area.

As you head into Charleston, the Angel Oak is a must-see on the outskirts of the city. It’s approximately 400 years old, with twisted branches that are a sight to behold!

Stay at  The Spectator Hotel , which is within easy walking distance to restaurants, shops, and landmarks. Charleston is known for award-winning restaurants like Husk, so a Charleston food tour  is always a good idea!

Spring is the best time of year to take this road trip, with fall running a close second. 

Recommended by Erin of Savannah First Timer’s Guide

Best road trips in USA – continued

Can you believe this list?! With some of the best American road trips yet to come, one of my favorites is up next!

19. Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier National Park

Distance: 50 miles Recommended time: 1 -3 days Best time of year: July – September

If you’re looking for one of the very best USA road trip routes, this is it! The Going-to-the-Sun Road in Glacier National Park is one of the most breathtaking experiences you’ll have.

In just 50 short miles, this road trip really packs a punch! The Going-to-the-Sun Road can obviously be done in one day, but taking 3 (or more) days to explore is ideal.

Located in northern Montana and at over 6600 feet in elevation, the Going-to-the-Sun road experiences heavy snowfall and isn’t cleared of snow until July. And because it typically starts snowing again by October, the season to do this incredible road trip is short.

Note: due to the high volume of visitors, a vehicle reservation is required for the Going-to-the-Sun Road (and most of the rest of the park as well).

These can be a pain to get, with strict deadlines and they go super fast. However, you can enter the park before 6am or after 3pm without a reservation and drive the road and explore all that it has to offer.

It truly is a stunning drive! Along the way, you’ll pass Lake McDonald, which hold’s nature’s skittles – brightly colored rocks that line the shores of the lake.

If you’re up for hiking, you’ll love Avalanche Lake Trail , Hidden Lake Trail, and Virginia Falls, one of the best waterfalls in Glacier National Park.

Pro tip: vehicle passes don’t ensure you’ll find a parking spot. Arrive at the park early and have a plan B if parking is full. Use this Glacier National Park itinerary to set up your plan for this incredible park!

20. Phoenix to Page Arizona (one of the BEST southwest US road trips)

Distance: 600 miles Recommended time: 7+ days Best time of year: March – May, September – November

The Phoenix to Page Arizona road trip itinerary  is one of the best road trips in America that offers a blend of natural beauty and urban charm. The journey starts and ends in Phoenix, covering approximately 600 miles in total, making it a perfect loop trip for travelers who want to explore the best of Arizona .

To fully appreciate the journey, it is recommended to take at least 7 days to complete the route.

Phoenix is the starting point of this road trip, and it is a city worth exploring. Visitors can experience fun hikes, mouthwatering restaurants, interesting museums, and beautiful shopping areas. The neighboring city of Scottsdale is also worth a visit. Known for its luxurious spas, resorts, and golf courses, there’s so many things to do in Scottsdale .

After exploring Phoenix, head to Sedona, famous for its red rock formations and stunning natural beaut y. Visitors can enjoy outdoor activities such as hiking, exploring their vortexes, or visiting wineries.

Next up is Flagstaff, which is famous for its beautiful mountain scenery and historic downtown. Here, visitors can explore the famous Route 66 and visit the Lowell Observatory, which was where Pluto was discovered .

From Flagstaff, the journey continues to Page, which is home to the famous Antelope Canyon and Horseshoe Bend.

After Page, you’ll head to the majestic Grand Canyon, which is one of the seven natural wonders of the world. The Grand Canyon offers stunning views, and visitors can explore the park on foot or helicopter tour .

The best time to take this road trip is during the spring and fall when the weather is mild and comfortable . During the summer, the temperatures can reach up to 100 degrees, making outdoor activities challenging.

It’s also important to note that some parts of the road trip itinerary may be closed during the winter due to snowfall.

Recommended by Destiny of Guided by Destiny

21. New England during the fall (one of the best road trips in USA)

Distance: 830 miles Recommended time: 5+ days Best time of year: October

For a true bucket list experience, you have to do a road trip in New England during the fall. It’s truly one of the best road trips in America! Enjoy the stunning array of colorful foliage and classic, charming small towns in the region. 

If you’re flying in, plan to start and end at Boston Logan International Airport with a rental car . Otherwise, adapt this loop to your own starting point.

This road trip is a loop spanning about 830 miles. You can certainly add more destinations if you have more time! You can do this trip in 5 days but a week or more would be ideal to add even more stops into the mix.

Start in Boston and head just north of the city to the iconic fall town of Salem, Mass. Whether you’re into Hocus Pocus or history, visitors love Salem for its Halloween vibes and fun fall events. Just be sure to book accommodations early during this very busy season!

From Salem, head north to Bar Harbor, Maine. En route, stop in Portland for a foodie adventure. This is the longest drive at just over 200 miles, but there is ample opportunity to stop along the way for coastal views and foliage photo ops.

You could spend a week in Bar Harbor alone, but from there, your road trip will backtrack a bit before cutting west into New Hampshire. Spend the night in Conway so you can start your drive through the White Mountains early the next morning . This is a truly idyllic destination in the fall! 

From Conway, take a 15-minute detour up to Bartlett for a quick, easy morning hike to the very pretty Diana’s Baths. Then you’ll drive across NH along the incredibly scenic Kancamagus Highway; plan to stop several times for photo ops! After crossing the state, you’ll basically follow the border between NH and VT before cutting across Vermont to the pretty town of Manchester.

From Manchester, you can skirt Green Mountain National Forest and head southeast back toward Boston. If you do have more time, add more stops for a more robust 1-week New England fall road trip to maximize your adventure.

Recommended by Amanda of Hey! East Coast USA

22. Texas Hill Country (an underrated American roadtrip)

Distance: 300 miles Recommended time: 2 – 7 days Best time of year: March – April

A road trip through Texas Hill Country is one of the best road trips in the US due to the amazing things to do and sights to see along the way. This drive starts in Austin, ends in San Antonio, and has dozens of charming small towns along the way.

At just under 300 miles long, this road trip can be completed in one day. However, travelers can easily fill 7 days with all there is to experience.

There is plenty to explore year round. Beware of the Texas heat in summer months and plan plenty of swimming hole stops. Spring is the best time of year for this road trip. Hill country comes alive with  Texas bluebonnets  and other wildflowers making for a gorgeous scenic drive.

Starting in Austin, consider checking out the Capitol building, live music in the Red River District, and the beautiful metropolitan park, Zilker Park. If you happen to be doing this road trip during October, be sure to check out the best haunted houses in Austin , too.

Then, head out west toward the sweet towns of Burnet and Marble Falls. Explore Longhorn Caverns, discover Devil’s Watering Hole at Inks Lake, and pick up a slice of pie at the Bluebonnet Café.

Fredericksburg is the next highlight on your road trip and also a great spot for staying overnight.

The numerous wineries, beautiful German heritage woven throughout the town, and the beauty of a hike at Enchanted Rock can keep you busy for several days. In spring, head to Jenschke Orchards to pick strawberries or for fresh peaches in the summer. An overnight stay at the Behr House is sure to please!  

As you start heading south, check out the historic post office in Luckenbach, lavender fields in Blanco, cowboy boots tour and Blue Hole in Wimberley, and the Comal River in New Braunfels . Don’t miss brisket from Salt Lick in Driftwood.

End your road trip in historic San Antonio by visiting Riverwalk and the Alamo. Dinner at The Pearl Historic District and pastries from Mia Tienda will end your Hill Country road trip with delicious local fare.

Such a fun adventure, and one of the best USA road trip routes!

Recommended by Sierra from Very Truly Texas

23. Southern Colorado

Distance: 800 miles Recommended time: 7 – 14 days Best time of year: June – September

Colorado has some of the most beautiful places in the country, and nothing makes that more clear than a road trip around southern Colorado . While most people visit to explore the Rockies, there is so much more to Colorado than just the Rockies. This road trip will show you why southern Colorado is really where you want to be.

Assuming you start and end in Colorado Springs, the road trip will cover about 800 miles through some of the most scenic places in the country. If you’re flying into Denver International Airport, add about 180 miles total.

Start your trip off with a scenic drive through Garden of the Gods in Colorado Springs before ascending up to Pikes Peak. It’s the second highest paved road in the United States, just outside of the city.

From the peak head straight across Highway 50 to southwest Colorado, stopping by Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park. While far less known than the Grand Canyon in Arizona, Black Canyon is impressive in its own right with its sheer 2700 foot drop to the river below.

From Black Canyon, head south through the San Juan Mountains, stopping by Silverton to do one of the best hikes in Colorado, the Ice Lake Hike . When your legs are sufficiently exhausted, continue to Mesa Verde National Park. Mesa Verde protects the most impressive and well-preserved ancient Puebloan cliff cities in the US.

You’ll then head across southern Colorado on highway 160, a simply stunning drive with breathtaking scenery around every turn. Be sure to stop in for a craft beer in Durango before making your way to Great Sand Dunes National Park. There, you’ll find the tallest and most impressive sand dunes in North America. Do some dune hiking before heading back to Colorado Springs.

The best time of year to complete this road trip is summertime between June and September. It’s possible to visit all the places on the route year-round (except the Ice Lake hike). Summer will have the most pleasant weather and best hiking opportunities. 

This is certainly one of the best road trips in America, and one full of unexpected adventures.

Recommended by Chris of Around The World With Me

24. Florida Keys from Miami to Key West (another favorite on this list of road trips USA)

Distance: 165 miles Recommended time: 1- 3 days Best time of year: December – June

One of the very best road trips in America is driving the Florida Keys on Highway 1. From big party cities on either end to tropical vibes along the way, this is one fun road trip you’ll want to drive!

The Miami to Key West road trip can technically be done in a day, but it’s best done over 3 days, at minimum. That would give you one day in Miami, one day in Key West and one day to explore the islands between.

Although if you have a week or more, that’s even better! Just after leaving Miami, make a stop in Everglades National Park . From birdwatching to the short Anhinga Trail hike, you’ll love seeing nature in this park.

Another stop along the way is Key Largo. From a glass-bottom boat tour to snorkeling , this island offers a lot of water activities. Robbie’s in Islamorada is a popular spot to stop and feed the tarpons   – so fun!

The famous 7-mile bridge is an engineering feat as you drive down Highway 1. Finally making it to Key West, you’ll find shops, restaurants and historic hotels greet you with open arms. It’s quite the busy little island, welcoming passengers from cruise ships by the day and a live party scene at night.

Stay in the Kimpton Winslow’s Bungalows in the historic district, or on Smather’s Beach at Margaritaville Beach House Key West . You can fly back out of Key West, although it may just be more affordable to drive back to Miami.

This fun route from Miami to Key West down Highway 1 is truly one of the greatest road trips in America, and holds a deserving spot on this list!

Recommended by Nikki of She Saves She Travels

25. Oahu Circle Island Tour (a tropical USA road trip route)

Distance: 60 miles Recommended time: 1-3 days Best time of year: year-round!

Dive into the depths of Hawaiian culture and explore the sights, sounds, scents, and flavors of Oahu on a classic circle island tour. It’s absolutely one of the best road trips in USA, even though it’s on an island thousands of miles offshore. 🙂

This route is an ideal way to get a better sense of all Oahu offers. From world-famous beaches, lush rainforests, and vibrant cities to small towns with uniquely local flair.

Start and end the trip in Honolulu, driving 60 miles around the island’s perimeter. You can spend from 6 hours to 2-3 days on this route, based on where you want to stop and how much time you want to spend there.

No trip around Oahu is complete without a stop at the iconic Waikiki Beach. You can take in the crystal-clear waters and picturesque sunset views.

Other highlights include…

• Byodo-In Temple, located on the Windward Coast
• Chinaman’s Hat, a small islet off the shore of Kualoa Ranch
• Banzai Pipeline, a world-famous surfing spot on the North Shore
• Dole Plantation for its famous pineapple fields and ice cream
• Laie Point or Makapu’u Point Lookout for some of the most beautiful views in all of Hawaii

Be sure to also marvel at Waimanalo Waterfall, tucked away in the Ko’olau Mountains, and the breathtaking Ka’ena Point Natural Area Reserve.

Embarking on this journey during the summertime is ideal due to the longer days, yet it can still be a memorable experience year-round . Just keep in mind that you may encounter crowds at beaches on weekends and holidays and when the waves are high.

If you’re looking for a guided tour, there are many tours you can book to do the circle island tour of Oahu. If you’d rather have an adventure of your own, renting a car is the perfect option! With apps like Shaka and Gypsy to assist with planning and managing your itinerary, you can guarantee yourself an extraordinary experience.

Recommended by Melodie of Travel Must Do’s

26. Badlands to the Black Hills (an unexpected one on this list of best road trips in USA)

Distance: 60 miles Recommended time: 1 – 3 days Best time of year: May – September

In western South Dakota, visitors find a land of great contrasts and great beauty. The Black Hills got their name because the dense, dark pine trees make the hills appear almost black. The landscape is so starkly bare in Badlands National Park that it appears almost otherworldly.

Luckily for visitors, you can visit both within just a few hours–although you could easily spend weeks exploring all the beauty and fun in western South Dakota. This is one of the best, unexpected US road trips!

For the ultimate western South Dakota road trip, visitors can start at Badlands National Park in Interior, South Dakota.

Inside the park, visitors drive the 31-mile Badlands Scenic Loop Road to the Ben Reifel Visitors Center . There are so many things to do in Badlands National Park like hike the park’s beautiful trails and stop at scenic overlooks for spectacular views of the park’s colorful rock formations. Be sure to watch for bison, bighorn sheep, and prairie dogs!

After exiting to Wall, South Dakota many visitors stop at Wall Drug for free ice water (and snacks and souvenirs.)

Then, it’s a short jaunt on interstate 90 to the South Dakota Air and Space Museum. This free aerospace museum on Ellsworth AFB is home to more than 30 aircraft and tons of other artifacts and exhibits.

A few minutes further and you’re in Rapid City and can check out all the town has to offer. Check out Storybook Island, Dinosaur park, Presidential statues downtown, and fossils at the Museum of Geology on the Campus of the South Dakota School of Mines and Technology. 

Then, it’s less than a half hour from downtown Rapid City to the Black Hills. Take the Peter Norbeck Scenic Highway to see attractions like Mount Rushmore, Custer State Park and Wind Cave National Park.

The beauty of the rock formations in the Black Hills, the trees, the wildlife, and the view are absolutely breathtaking.

Recommend by Lindsay of Siouxland Families

27. Washington DC to Asheville

Distance: 471 miles Recommended time: 5 days Best time of year: March – May, September – October

A road trip from Washington, DC to Asheville, North Carolina can be driven in just eight hours but you’ll miss a lot of historic southern towns. Plan on a long five-day vacation and make frequent stops.

Your first stop on this American road trip is Front Royal via Route 66. This charming town offers the best apple donuts to pack for your all-day hiking in Shenandoah National Park . Rent an Airbnb or book a campsite inside the national park.

Wake up bright and early the next day to enjoy a big flapjack breakfast then head out on 1-81 South via I-66 W. Select a detour to Luray Caverns or antique shopping in Strasburg.

Plan to reach the 215-foot-tall Natural Bridge by noon . Carved out by Cedar Creek, the limestone bridge offers vistas of the forests and rolling meadows. Explore seven miles of hiking trails and the beautiful Lace Falls, a 30-foot waterfall cascade.

Then, spend time touring the Monacan Indian Village or participate in seasonal living history programs. Book your second night at Wyndham’s Natural Bridge Hotel surrounded by Blue Ridge Mountains.

On your next morning head into the hills of east Tennessee to explore Johnson City. Choose between hiking at Buffalo Mountain Park or boating at Winged Deer Park.

In the afternoon, explore Sycamore Shoals Historic Park, which is a former Cherokee site. Alternatively, visit Gray Fossil Site and Museum to see mastodon fossils. Schedule the hour drive to  Asheville  before nightfall where you can pplurge and book a room at the historic Omni Grove Park Inn .

On your last morning, book a morning walking tour to learn about the city’s Art Deco architecture. Then head to the Arts District to explore working artists’ studios. Leave time for a two-hour drive on the Blue Ridge Parkway to admire the stunning scenery at road stops . Extend your USA road trip (if time permits) to tour the Biltmore Estate.

Recommended by Terri of Female Solo Trek

28. Southwest USA (one of the BEST road trips USA)

Distance: 950 miles Recommended time: 6 days Best time of year: March – May, September – November

Going from Las Vegas to Grand Canyon is only the beginning of an epic southwest USA road trip. It starts and ends in the City of Lights – Las Vegas. To complete the itinerary in a moderate way, you will need 6 days (not counting the days in Las Vegas ). The distance of the whole itinerary is around 950 miles. Along the way, you will get your ‘kicks on Route 66’, visit 3 US States, and the most Instagram-worthy national parks. From Grand Canyon to Page with Horseshoe Bend you’ll surely be in awe of America’s natural wonders.

In Page you will also visit the famous Antelope Canyon, but before that, make a stop at the the famous spot where Forrest Gump stopped running, Monument Valley.

The best place to stay in the Monument Valley in Goulding’s Lodge , where you get stunning sunset and sunrise views of Table Mountains and Monolites.

On your way back to visit Zion National park, and add Bryce Canyon as an optional stop. The last stop before returning to Vegas should be Valley of Fire, a popular wedding photoshoot location with amazing hikes. The great part about this road trip is that it can also be done in reverse. You can do this road trip at any time of the year, but winter would be the least favorable.

The best time would be spring or autumn, when temperatures are moderate and there is no snow on the roads. Summer, also a great time to follow this southwest itinerary, can be crowded and extremely hot.

Whichever time of year you choose, you won’t be disappointed. Just be careful if driving at night as the roads are full of wildlife that will be extremely hard to spot. This may just be one of the very best US road trips you will take! Recommended by Anja of Anja On Adventure

29. Milwaukee to Minneapolis

Distance: 336 miles Recommended time: 5-8 days Best time of year: June-October

If you’re looking for a great northern Midwest road trip, plan a road trip from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, to Minneapolis, Minnesota. You’ll be able to see some of the best of the upper Midwest, including important US cities and charming small towns.

Start with two days in Milwaukee. Explore the iconic Milwaukee Art Museum, eat a fabulous lunch at the Milwaukee Public Market, and spend time strolling through the historic Third Ward.

Leaving Milwaukee, you can spend a few days enjoying Wisconsin’s smaller but still important cities and towns. Three stops worthy of spending a night or two include Madison, Wisconsin Dells, and Eau Claire. If you make your road trip during the fall, look to see if there are any football or basketball games happening in Madison during your trip. This is truly one of the greatest college towns in America!

Continue on to Minneapolis. Devote 3 days to enjoying the best of the Twin Cities. There are tons of  great free things to do in Minneapolis  and St. Paul. See the Stone Arch Bridge from the Guthrie Theater, wander through the Minneapolis Institute of Art and tour the Cathedral of St. Paul. 

Other can’t-miss sites along this USA road trip include the Mall of America, the Museum of Russian Art, and Fort Snelling State Park.

Road trips USA

There you have it! 29 of the very best US road trips you’ll find . From driving through vibrant fall colors, to marveling at the sparkling blue water in Hawaii, to hopping in a helicopter over the Grand Canyon, the adventures are truly endless.

Let’s recap this amazing list one more time (in a slightly quicker fashion…)

Best US road trips

• Utah national parks
• Ozark Mountains
• Beartooth Highway
• Florida Springs
• Extraterrestrial Highway, Nevada
• Washington DC to Boston
• Seward to Denali, Alaska
• Newfound Gap Road, Smoky Mountains National Park
• Coastal Carolinas
• LA to Joshua Tree National Park
• Talimena Scenic National Byway
• Pacific Coast Highway
• Athens to Macon, Georgia
• Road To Hana, Maui
• Blue Ridge Parkway
• Oregon Coast
• Savannah to Charleston
• Going-to-the-Sun Road, Glacier National Park
• Phoenix to Page, Arizona
• New England
• Texas Hill Country
• Southern Colorado
• Florida Keys from Miami to Key West
• Oahu Circle Island Tour
• Badlands to the Black Hills, South Dakota
• Washington DC to Asheville
• Southwest USA
• Milwaukee to Minneapolis

Related posts to read next: 30 Gorgeous West Coast Road Trip Routes You Gotta See to Believe 26 Absolute Best (and Underrated) Fall Drives in the US You’ve Gotta See to Believe 17 Exciting Winter Road Trips USA: Scenic and Unexpected Routes You’ll Love 12 Epic Scenic Drives Colorado (Map + Tips + Photos)

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Saturday 4th of March 2023

We love road trips! I definitely need to take the Utah road trip and I would also love to drive Beartooth! We did a little bit of the ET Highway last spring and it was fun! Great post. Lots of exciting options!

Friday 10th of March 2023

Yess Yvonne! Sounds like you've got some good options coming up. So much to discover via a USA road trip ❤️

Nomadic Matt's Travel Site

Travel Better, Cheaper, Longer

How to Road Trip Across the United States on a Budget

The Great American Road Trip is a rite of passage in the United States . We Americans have a unique fascination with the open road. It’s built into our cultural DNA. In Jazz Age America, the car was a symbol of freedom — a chance to escape your small town and the watchful eyes of parents.

As the highway system was developed in the 1950s, a wave of kids set out on the road to explore the country, giving new life to America’s car and road trip culture. Today, many still dream of getting in a car and driving into wide open spaces for months on end.

I’ve had the privilege of taking several multi-week and multi-month road trips around the country over the years. From traveling the Deep South to criss-crossing the country coast to coast , I’ve visited almost every state, exploring the myriad nooks and crannies of Uncle Sam’s backyard.

One thing is for certain, in diversity and scale, the United States is virtually unrivaled.

But this isn’t a post about fawning over America and its landscapes ( this post is ). This article is about how you can travel around the US on a budget.

Because, as it turns out, this country is surprisingly easy to travel on the cheap.

While rising gas prices and rental car price gouging post-COVID put a damper on things, it’s still easier than you think to have a budget-friendly road trip adventure around the USA.

In this post, I’ll explain how much I spent on one of my trips, how much you should expect to spend, and how you can save money on your next road trip.

Table of Contents

How Much Did My Cross-Country Road Trip Cost?

How to save money on your road trip, how to save on accommodation, how to save on food, how to save on sightseeing, how to save on transportation.

After 116 days traveling around the United States on this trip, I spent $6,262.67 USD, or $53.98 USD per day. While that is slightly higher than $50 USD a day, there were many parts of my budget I splurged on (see breakdown below) which skewed the number up. I definitely could have visited the country even cheaper if I didn’t have an addiction to Starbucks and sushi.

Here is how the numbers from my road trip break down:

• Accommodations: $1,036.36
• Food: $3,258.23
• Drinks: $438.94
• Gas: $696.98
• Parking: $253.00
• Starbucks: $75.26
• Miscellaneous (movies, toiletries, etc.): $170.00
• Attractions: $269.40
• Taxis: $41.00
• Bus: $17.50
• Subway: $6.00
• TOTAL : $6,262.67

Let’s break this down. First, my Starbucks addiction was unnecessary and added to my costs. Second, as a lover of sushi, trying various restaurants throughout my road trip drastically raised my food costs. Sushi, after all, is not cheap.

Moreover, I ate as if I wasn’t on a budget and rarely cooked, which is why my food expenses were so high relative to everything else. I would have definitely gone below $50 USD per day if I followed my own advice and cooked more often.

But, while I splurged in some places, three other things really helped me to keep expenses down: First, gas prices were low, averaging around $2.35 USD a gallon over the duration of my trip. (We’re going to discuss how to still do a road trip on a budget with high gas prices in the next section.)

Second, once you leave the big cities, prices for everything drop by nearly half so I spent a lot of time out of cities.

Third, I used Couchsurfing and cashed in hotel points to keep accommodation costs down. That helped a lot.

Overall, I didn’t do too bad and am happy with how much I spent. But is this how much you’ll spend, especially in the face of inflation and high gas prices? Let’s discuss that below.  

It’s no secret travel costs a lot lately and inflation and high gas prices have really made super cheap road trips hard if you’re not staying places for free but that doesn’t mean the road trip has to be super expensive.

With that in mind, here’s how to cut your accommodation, sightseeing, food, and transportation costs — all without cutting into your experience!  

1. Couchsurf — Couchsurfing is a service that allows you to stay with locals for free. Using this website (or similar ones) is the best way to lower accommodation costs, as you can’t get cheaper than free!

More than that, it’s a wonderful way to meet locals, get insider tips, and find off-the-beaten-track stuff to do in the area you’re visiting. While you’re generally expected to reciprocate your host’s kindness (cooking them a meal, taking them out for drinks or coffee, etc.), it’s still far cheaper than paying for a hotel or motel.

While the app has seen its community shrink in recent years, there are still plenty of hosts across the United States so you’ll rarely find problems finding someone to put you up.

Additionally, if you don’t feel comfortable staying with a stranger, you can use the app to meet people for drinks, coffee, activities, or anything else you want to do. That way, you can still meet a local and get their insider tips without having to stay with them. The app has all kinds of meet-ups and events too so be sure to check it out.

2. Airbnb — I only recommend using Airbnb in rural, out of the way places where hotels are limited. Avoid them as much as possible in other circumstances. Here is why we don’t really recommend them.

3. Budget hotels — There are a plethora of cheap roadside hotels such as Motel 6 and Super 8 that will help you stay cheap. Rooms start around $50 USD per night and are super basic and always look well worn. You’ll get a bed, bathroom, TV, tiny closet, and maybe a desk. They are nothing to write home about, but for a quiet place to sleep for a night, they do the trick.

And if you’re traveling with someone you should always say the room is for one person as these hotels charge you more for two people.

Also, make sure you sign up for Booking.com and Hotels.com loyalty programs. Hotels.com gives you a free room after 10 bookings, and Booking.com offers members 10% off bookings, as well as free upgrades and perks if you book multiple times after signing up. They definitely helped a lot.

Pro tip : Book through websites like Mr.Rebates or Rakuten . By using their links before going to Hotels.com or Booking, you’ll get 2-4% cash back in addition to the loyalty program deals.

4. Hotel points — Be sure to sign up for hotel credit cards before you go and use those points when you travel. You can get upwards of 70,000 points as a sign-up bonus, which can translate into a week’s worth of accommodations.

The points came in handy in places where I couldn’t find an Airbnb, hostel, or Couchsurfing host. This saved my butt in big cities around the country. I was glad I had accrued so many hotel points before my trip.

To learn more about, check out these posts:

• The Best Hotel Credit Cards
• The Ultimate Guide to Picking the Best Travel Credit Card
• Points and Miles 101: A Beginner’s Guide
• The Best Travel Credit Cards

5. Hostels — There aren’t many hostels in the United States, and most of them are overpriced. A dorm room typically costs around $30 a night, which means you can obtain a similar private room on Airbnb at the same price. If you are traveling with others, it’s often more economical to get a budget hotel than a bunch of dorm beds.

However, if you are traveling solo and want to meet others, the social benefits may outweigh the lack of value. There were just some times I didn’t want to be alone – I wanted to be around other travelers.

Some of the hostels I loved are:

• Samesun Venice Beach (LA)
• South Beach Hostel (Miami)
• India House (New Orleans)
• Jazz Hostels (NYC)
• ITH Adventure Hostel (San Diego)
• The Green Tortoise (San Francisco and Seattle).

For more hostel suggestions, here’s a list of my favorite hostels in the USA.

6. Camping — Dotted around the country — including around all the national parks — are inexpensive campsites. If you have a tent and camping gear, this is by far the cheapest way to travel. Campsites cost between $10-30 USD per night, which makes seeing the country incredibly affordable. Most campsites have basic amenities like running water, bathrooms, and the ability to upgrade to get electricity.

In addition to your standard campgrounds, check out the sharing economy website Campspace . It lets you pitch a tent on private properties all around the country for a small fee. Much like Airbnb, some plots are super basic and barebones while others are more luxurious, so be sure to poke around for a cheap place to stay as there are plots available all around the country.

It’s also legal to wild camp in national forests and on BLM land unless otherwise marked.

7. Sleep in your car — I know this isn’t glamorous but sleeping in your vehicle brings your accommodation costs down to zero. I know lots of travelers who did this to make their trip more affordable, some sleeping in their car just occasionally and others doing it every night. Chances are you won’t sleep well but you will save money, and that’s a fair trade to some people!

For those traveling in an RV, there are tons of free places to park and camp all around the country. Use iOverlander to find the best spots.  

To help you keep your food costs in check, here are a few quick tips:

1. Cook your own meals as often as possible – If you can bring a cooler in your vehicle, you can pack groceries instead of eating out all the time. And if you bring some containers, you can store leftovers in the car too, allowing you to cook larger meals at dinner that you can eat the next day for lunch.

2. Stay in accommodation with a kitchen – If you want to cook, you’ll need a kitchen. Prioritize accommodation like Couchsurfing, Airbnb, and hostels as those will typically provide kitchen access so you can cook your meals.

3. Shop cheap – Avoid the pricier grocery stores like Whole Foods when it comes to getting groceries and stick to budget places like Walmart. It’s not glamorous, but it will be cheap!

4. Find cheap restaurants – When you want to eat out but don’t want to break the bank, use Yelp, ask people on websites like Couchsurfing, or inquire at the desks at hostels for suggestions. Locals have the best tips and insights when it comes to where to eat so they can point you in the right direction. Simply cook, limit your eating out, and be happy!

1. Get a National Parks pass — For $80, you can purchase an annual National Parks and Federal Lands ‘America the Beautiful’ pass that provides access to all 63 national parks (as well as any other recreation areas administered by the National Park Service). In total, you can visit more than 2,000 federal recreation sites with the same pass. At $20-35 USD per visit, seeing five during your trip makes the pass a money saver. When you visit your first park, simply buy the pass and you’re good to go. There’s no need to order it in advance.

The U.S. national park system is amazing and really highlights the diversity of landscapes in the country. You can’t travel across the country without stopping at many of the national parks, especially as you get out west.

2. City tourism cards — City tourism cards allow you to see a large number of attractions (and often include free public transportation) for one price, usually $75-100 USD. They provide free access to museums, reduced access to attractions, and restaurant discounts. Be sure to look into them if you plan on doing a lot of sightseeing, as they generally will save you money. They can be purchased at tourism information centers or online before you go.

3. Free museums and events — Inquire at tourism centers, use Google, or ask hotel or hostel staff for information about free events and museums. Many museums offer occasional free or discounted admission throughout the week. There are always tons of free activities in any city in the United States.

4. Free walking tours and city greeter programs — Many cities in the US have free walking tours or city greeter programs that pair you with a local guide who can give you a brief tour. Whenever I visit a new city, I start my trip off with one of these tours. They show you the lay of the land, introduce you to the main sights, and give you access to an expert local guide that can answer all your questions.

Check in with the local tourism office when you arrive to see what programs and tours are available.

For greeter programs, you’ll need to sign-up in advance before your visit. It’s good to give about 2 weeks’ notice as they have to find someone to take you around. Google “(city name) greeter program” to find them as some are run independently of the city tourism board so might not be listed on their website.

Here are your options when it comes to traveling across the country:

1. Hitchhike — This isn’t something I did on my trip, as I had a car, but it’s very doable (and relatively safe). Here’s a post by my friend Matt who hitchhiked across the United States explaining how to do so and come out alive (don’t worry, it’s safer than you think)..

For more hitchhiking tips, use Hitchwiki .

2. Rideshare — Taking on riders can be a way to lower your costs. On my first trip across the U.S., I offered rides to people I met in hostels. On this trip, I had friends and readers join me along the way. You can post ads on Craigslist and Gumtree and at hostels to find riders. This not only makes the trip more enjoyable but lowers your gas costs. Or if you are a rider, you can use the same services to find rides to get you places.

3. Buy a car — If you don’t have a car or don’t want to rent one, you can buy cheap used cars from car dealers or owners on Craigslist. There are lots of listings, and you can resell the car at the end of your trip to recoup some of your initial purchase cost. While this is easy in other countries, it’s hard to do in the United States, so remember a couple of key points:

• You’ll need a US address for registration documents to get sent to. I would use a hostel or hotel address and then set up a forwarding address with the Post Office.
• You’ll have to buy car insurance, which can greatly add to the costs of your trip.

Another option is to use a car relocation service. This is when you take someone’s car and drive it across the country. You are usually paid, and gas is covered. The downside is you don’t often have a lot of leeway on timing, so you might not have much time to stop and sightsee along the way. Car relocation options are also usually limited. Two companies worth checking out are Transfercar and Hit the Road .

If you just want to rent a car, use Discover Cars .

4. Use gas apps & membership programs – Install GasBuddy , an app that finds the cheapest gas prices near you. It is a must. If you’re going on a longer road trip, sign up for the monthly program; it costs $9.99 but will save you up to 40 cents a gallon.

Also, sign up for every gas loyalty program you can, so as to maximize points and discounts. Moreover, if you get a brand’s credit card, your first 50 gallons usually come with 30 cents off per gallon.

You should also consider getting a Costco membership for cheap gas. They have around 574 stores around the US so you’ll be able to earn the cost of a membership back by saving money on both gas and food.

5. Download parking apps – Parking costs add up — especially in cities. Use apps like BestParking and Parker to find spots and compare prices.

6. Take the bus – If driving is entirely out of the question, you can find bus tickets for as little as $1 USD from Megabus. Greyhound and Flixbus also have cheap rides all around the US. Rides under five hours are usually around $20 USD if you book early, and overnight rides usually cost $50-100. You can save big if you book in advance (often upwards of 75%!).

Don’t let the United States fool you! A road trip across the United States is a fun way to see a lot of diverse landscapes, experience different cultures, and meet interesting people. Traveling America isn’t very expensive once you are outside the big cities and you can easily travel the country on a budget by using the advice in this article.

Book Your Trip to the USA: Logistical Tips and Tricks

Book Your Flight Use Skyscanner to find a cheap flight. They are my favorite search engine because they search websites and airlines around the globe so you always know no stone is left unturned!

Book Your Accommodation You can book your hostel with Hostelworld as they have the biggest inventory and best deals. If you want to stay somewhere other than a hostel, use Booking.com as they consistently return the cheapest rates for guesthouses and cheap hotels.

Don’t Forget Travel Insurance Travel insurance will protect you against illness, injury, theft, and cancellations. It’s comprehensive protection in case anything goes wrong. I never go on a trip without it as I’ve had to use it many times in the past. My favorite companies that offer the best service and value are:

• Safety Wing (for everyone below 70)
• Insure My Trip (for those over 70)
• Medjet (for additional evacuation coverage)

Looking for the Best Companies to Save Money With? Check out my resource page for the best companies to use when you travel. I list all the ones I use to save money when I’m on the road. They will save you money when you travel too.

Want More Information on the United States? Be sure to visit our robust destination guide on the US for even more planning tips!

Got a comment on this article? Join the conversation on Facebook , Instagram , or Twitter and share your thoughts!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links above may be affiliate links, and at no additional cost to you, I earn a commission if you make a purchase. I recommend only products and companies I use and the income goes to keeping the site community supported and ad free.

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13 Best East Coast USA Road Trip Ideas

Posted on Last updated: December 5, 2023

Home » USA Travel Inspiration » 13 Best East Coast USA Road Trip Ideas

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Many American East Coast road trips are among the world’s most beautiful routes, and rightly so because the journeys lead travelers through stunning beaches, vibrant cities, and numerous historic sites.

Choosing the best route can be challenging due to the variety; however, you’ll find in this article only the best East Coast road trips for you and your family. 

A road trip along the American East Coast is an unbeatable experience, allowing you to experience untouched and historical communities and travel far off the usual beaten track and numerous natural wonders. 

Table of Contents

13 Best East Coast Road Trips

Here are our favorite East Coast road trips in no particular order. Enjoy! 

1. Blue Ridge Parkway

Location: Virginia and North Carolina Distance: 469 miles

Blue Ridge Parkway’s circular 469 miles has its northern entrance and exit in this USA road trip’s cultural hub, Charlottesville, Virginia. 

Home to one of only eleven cultural UNESCO World Heritage Sites in America, Charlottesville sees you off on a southern-drawl pace and welcomes you back at the drop of a hat.

The winding parkway has been one of our country’s must-ride routes since its 1935 opening, firmly making it one of the best US road trips. 

The road trip’s green plateaus, Blue Ridge Mountains, and the Appalachian Mountains’ gentle-hilled meadows land a point for the journey over the destination matchup. 

Even the speed limit hardly reaches over 45 mph, directing you casually through stutter-inducing mountain vistas.

Between Shenandoah National Park from northern Virginia’s Rockfish Gap and Smoky Mountains Nation Park at Cherokee, you’re sure to glimpse some deer, black bears, or other animals leisurely going about the plentiful and season-dependent flora. 

The road trip might not be sprawling, but you can get an idea of the wonders on offer through just a few of the possible stops that you can make. 

Stretch your legs on a walking tour of the quaint Henry River Mill Village that now includes a cinematic depiction of District 12 in the Hunger Games film franchise in its rich lore.

Stretch your lungs with fresh air and a short hike in Great Smoky Mountain National Park in North Carolina/Tennessee. Remember to capture a memory at Clingman Dome, Tennessee’s accredited highest peak, and the tall limestone arch at Natural Bridge.

Taubman Museum of Art in Roanoke and the Mile High Swinging Bridge overlooking Grandfather Mountain are some other stops that’ll make your road trip one always to remember.

Hands down, this is one of the best road trips on the USA East Coast!

2. New England Loop

Location: Massachusetts, Rhode Island, Connecticut, Vermont, New Hampshire, and Maine Distance: at least 180 miles, but as long as you want

Most of us have been on a road trip at some point during our lives; however, a road trip vacation is something we must experience at least a few times.

The New England Loop is one of the most spectacular and highly rated East Coast road trips you could take, with the enormous and tightly packed region covering more than 72,000 miles in total.

To cover the entire New England Loop, you’d have to cover an average of 130 miles per day for two or three weeks, traveling more than 1,200 miles. 

However, you could also take a quick drive through each state, totaling 180 miles, which would take less than a day to cover by road. 

New England is one of the most beautiful places in the world, offering stunning coastal views, awe-inspiring mountain ranges, and numerous Instagram-worthy lighthouses. 

While many routes are available throughout New England, we recommend taking a loop that starts and ends in Boston. 

Starting in Boston, we recommend immediately traveling southwest to Newport’s coast (only after having a clam chowder, of course!). 

Newport is a must-see during this road trip, especially the Newport Mansion, which is a sight to behold. Next, travel along the coast until you reach the historically significant site known as Mystic Seaport. 

After you have fully experienced what the quaint town of Mystic has to offer, we recommend you travel in the direction of Western Massachusetts, stopping off at Burlington , Lake Champlain, the striking, beautiful White Mountains, and Mount Washington. 

Finally, it would be best to explore the unparalleled Acadia National Park in Maine before taking a scenic drive back up the coast until you reach Boston again. 

While the New England Loop will require an enormous amount of time to properly experience, its unmatched beauty, variety, and historical significance make it one of the best East Coast road trips despite intense competition.

3. Miami to Key West

Location: Florida Distance: 159 miles

The route from Miami to Key West is one of the most mesmerizing road trips in Florida , let alone in the south (yes, it’s one of the best Southern USA road trips ).

This scenic drive will take you from bustling Miami to the splendid Florida Keys, all while offering you secluded beaches , palm trees, historic sites, and fabulous state parks throughout. 

You will literally find something worth seeing every mile of the way as you drive south along this part of the Sunshine State. 

Begin your adventure in Miami, where you can enjoy its sandy beaches, restaurants, and shopping scene.

Outdoor lovers can head to Oleta River State Park for hiking, biking, kayaking, or detaching in the Everglades to search for alligators. 

Whatever you decide, we recommend staying in town for at least two or three nights so you can enjoy the city and its natural surroundings.

Once you start driving south on Highway 1, you’ll find numerous attractions on the way, so you’ll have plenty of reasons to make stops to stretch your legs out as you make your way from the mainland to Key West.

You’ll drive past beautiful beaches and unique state parks like the underwater John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park, Bahia Honda State Park, Rain Barrel Artisan Village, Dolphin Research Center, Turtle Hospital, and plenty more!

Pssst: Take the 2.5-hour ferry to Dry Tortugas National Park and experience some of Key West’s best beaches! (And one of the best national parks in Florida !) 

Read next: 27 Best Places to Visit in Florida  

4. Acadia National Park Loop – a short but enjoyable East Coast road trip

Location: Maine Distance: 27 miles

The 27-mile Park Loop Road bends around the east part of Mount Desert Island and joins Acadia National Park’s shimmering lakes, rocky cliffs, mountains, and gorgeous views of the Atlantic Ocean. 

You can easily access some of the park’s best destinations: Sieur de Mohns, Otter Point, Jordan Pond, Cadillac Mountain, and Sand Beach. 

There’s never a dull moment when you drive Park Loop Road as dusk and dawn can see an increase in wildlife merrily crossing this section of one of the best East Coast road trip roads. 

Start your drive at the Hulls Cove Visitor Center before moving 3-miles south on Paradise Hill Road to start the loop. 

The Sieur de Mohns start is a one-way driving direction, so check signs to avoid any “You shall not pass!” moments.

Also, be sure to go on a hike or two in Acadia because you won’t regret it.

5. Outer Banks Road Trip

Location: North Carolina

Distance: about 130 miles

The Outer Banks is one of the shorter East Coast road trips you can take; however, it is often thought of as being one of the most scenic and majestic imaginable.

The Outer Banks Road trip is 130 miles long and should take between four and five hours to experience properly. 

However, the road trip can last up to seven hours if you want to take a ferry ride of two, further enhancing your experience. 

The best time to explore the Outer Banks, known as one of the most highly rated East Coast USA road trips, is during fall or spring, as there are fewer people to contend with while the temperatures are far more moderate. 

While you can travel through the Outer Banks in a few hours to fully experience the road trip’s unparalleled beauty, we recommend taking a two-day adventure. 

Along the Outer Banks Road Trip, we recommend you stop at a few must-see locations. 

The historically significant site known as The Wright Brothers National Memorial should be your first stop, followed by the Elizabethan Gardens, Cape Hatteras Lighthouse, Nags Head Beach, and Hatteras Island Beach, before finishing off at Pea Island. 

While the Outer Banks Road trip along the American East Coast is relatively short, its majestic scenery and historical significance make it one of the best options possible.

6. Providence, RI To Provincetown MA

Location: Rhode Island and Massachusetts

Distance: about 120 miles

The road trip between Providence, Rhode Island, and Provincetown, Massachusetts, is a beautiful yet quick road trip taking 3 hours to complete while covering just over 120 miles.

While the road trip is on the shorter side regarding the American East Coast, the route between Providence, Rhode Island, and Provincetown, Massachusetts, is an unmissable experience. 

There are many different cities and historical sites to see; however, we recommend starting at Newport and finishing at the eastern tip of Sandwich to obtain the best experience possible. 

Newport is a highly recommended location and has become a must-see for anyone traveling along one of the East Coast USA road trips. After stopping at Newport, continue to Plymouth, best known for hosting the Pilgrim Memorial State Park. 

Experiencing everything Plymouth offers should take a few hours, with Falmouth being the next essential stop.

Falmouth is famed for its stunning beaches, extravagant estates, and contemporary art forms. However, do not get stuck at Falmouth for too long, as the next stop, Sandwich, is the most historically significant and oldest town in Massachusetts.

Moreover, Sandwich is located within Barnstable County, making it one of Cape Cod’s and the American East Coast’s most unmissable experiences.

7. Portland To Bar Harbor

Location: Maine

Distance: about 180 miles

The distance between Portland and Bar Harbor is just under 180 miles, with most agreeing that it is one of the most beautiful road trips on the East Coast, if not the entire country.

The road between Portland and Bar Harbor is awe-inspiring, with more than 100 miles of untouched and dramatic scenery. 

The unparalleled dramatic scenery is perfectly combined with the friendliest people imaginable, outstanding fresh seafood, beautiful lighthouses, and numerous detours are just a few reasons this route is a must-see for people of all ages.

It should take just under four hours to complete the road trip between Portland and Bar Harbor without any stops. However, we recommend stopping at a few of the route’s best locations to obtain the full experience.

The first stop should be at Bangor, Maine, best known for the outstanding Discovery Museum. 

After stopping at Bangor, we recommend you visit the Mount Desert Oceanarium, the Paul Bunyan Statue, the Penobscot Narrows Bridge, and the Fort Knox Observatory.

While in Bar Habor, be sure to grab a lobster roll, go whale watching, or hike some trails.

Many underrate the unmatched beauty and scenery of the route between Portland and Bar Harbor, although it’s truly a must-see if you are planning an East Coast road trip.

8. Washington, DC to NYC through Philadelphia

Location: Washington DC, Maryland, Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and New York

Distance: about 240 miles

The road trip between Washington DC to Philadelphia, New York City, is just over 240 miles in length, although it will take between 2 and three days to obtain the best experience possible.

While the number of appropriate detours between Washington DC to Philadelphia and New York City is endless, we recommend that your first stop is in the largest city in Maryland, Baltimore, where there are endless shopping, dining, and other activities for the entire family to experience.

After fully experiencing what Horseshoe offers, you should travel to the National Aquarium, Strasburg Rail Road, Oriole Park, and Terrapin Nature Park. 

In addition, we recommend you stop at the Inner Harbor, which is located just inside Baltimore’s state lines. 

The natural beauty and unmatched variety make this one of the most desirable East Coast USA road trips of all time.

Baltimore is one of America’s most underrated and historically significant cities, meaning everyone, especially American citizens, must visit it at least once during their lifetimes. 

Following the stop in Baltimore, commit to stopping in Lancaster County, Pennsylvania, Annapolis Historic District, The Philadelphia Museum of Art, And Staten Island, New York.

Once you get to NYC, take your time to stretch your legs around Central Park, visit an observation deck, check out the neon signs at Times Square, cruise to Ellis Island, and photograph the Statue of Liberty, which is one of the major attractions in North America.

Read next: Famous Landmarks in America

9. St Augustine, FL To Savannah GA

Location: Florida and Georgia

Distance: about 170 miles

One of the most stunning East Coast road trips is between St Augustine, Florida, and the historic city of Savannah, Georgia . 

At just over 170 miles in length, it should take you just over three hours to complete if you don’t stop.

You could visit many different cities, locations, beaches, and national parks during this road trip. 

However, while you can skip some less important stops, we recommend stopping at Fernandina Beach. 

Fernandina Beach is situated just inside Nassau County, with it being accepted as being the most northern city along Florida’s stunning Atlantic coast.

Another location that has become a must-see is Jacksonville, which is also perfectly situated along Florida’s Atlantic coast and is the most densely populated state by area. 

While Jacksonville and Fernandina Beach are essential stops along the way, we recommend stopping a few more times to obtain the most authentic experience.

One of the most highly rated destinations along the way is St John the Baptist’s Cathedral Basilica, an awe-inspiring early 19th-century Roman Catholic Church. 

Moreover, Forsyth Park and Tybee Island Light Museum and Light Station are a must-see for anyone traveling through the region.

10. NYC To Boston Loop

Location: New York, Connecticut, Rhode Island, and Massachusetts

Distance: about 210 miles

The New York City to Boston Loop is one of the most essential and popular road trips on the East Coast. The loop is just over 210 miles and should take 5 hours to complete without stopping.

There are hundreds of unmissable locations along the NYC to Boston Loop; however, we highly recommend multiple stops. 

Your pitstops should always include Providence, the Bronx, Concord, Hartford, Springfield, Flushing, and Worcester.

While you don’t have to stop at all the locations mentioned above, fulfilling at least three to five of them is vital in obtaining the most authentic and best experience possible.

Moreover, hundreds of different activities are waiting for you throughout your road-tripping journey as you obtain a truly unique experience as you watch a baseball game at the Yankee Stadium, visit the Bronx Zoo, check out Fenway Park, and even view the Met Cloisters if you are open to a truly unparalleled experience.

11. Raleigh, NC, To Savannah GA

Location: North Carolina and Georgia

Distance: about 320 miles

The road between Raleigh, North Carolina, and Savannah, Georgia, is just over 320 miles long. It should take under six hours to complete without stopping along the way.

However, the unmatched scenery between Raleigh, North Carolina, and Savannah, Georgia, means that you should commit to at least a few stops between the two destinations to obtain the best possible experience. 

Most locals and tourists agree that the route is one of the most untouched road trips on the East Coast.

Fayetteville and Beaufort are the highest-rated places to visit along this road trio, which includes some of the most pristine, stunning, and awe-inspiring scenery imaginable.

In addition, Gregory Vineyards, the Ava Gardner Museum, and the Carolina Premium Outlets are locations you must visit to obtain the best and most authentic experience possible.

12. Wilmington, NC, To Jacksonville, FL

Location: North Carolina and Florida

Distance: about 450 miles

The road between Wilmington, North Carolina, and Jacksonville is just over 450 miles and should take just over 7 hours to complete without stopping once along the way.

While you can travel between Wilmington, North Carolina, and Jacksonville in under eight hours, we recommend a few stops along the way, allowing you to obtain an unmatched and once-in-a-lifetime experience.

The road trip route between Wilmington and Jacksonville is relatively far compared to other top American East Coast road trips; however, it is also one of the most enjoyable, scenic, and spectacular. 

While there are thousands of high-quality and desirable locations along the way, we highly recommend stopping at Beaufort, Savannah (Forrest Gump, anyone?), and Amelia Island.

Moreover, other highly rated locations along the way, such as Holden Beach, Gillis Hill Farm, and the Moores Creek National Battlefield, are highly recommended. 

While it may take a little more than a day trip or two days to fully account for all the different locations offered along this route, it is well worth taking the extra time as it is truly a once-in-a-lifetime experience for anyone who has not been there before.

13. St Augustine To Miami

Location: Florida

Distance: about 310 miles

While it is indisputable that the East Coast of the United States is a part of the world you must travel through, many people underrate the unparalleled beauty of the route between St Augustine and Miami.

St Augustine, Florida, and Miami distance are just over 310 miles long, taking just over five and a half hours to complete without stopping, with many considering the route to be one of the most beautiful East Coast road trips.

While you don’t have to stop on the road trip between St Augustine and Miami to encounter significant beauty and awe-inspiring mountain ranges, we recommend committing to a few stops to obtain the most thorough experience possible.

Despite thousands of high-quality and desirable locations along the 300-mile journey, we highly recommend stopping at Fort Lauderdale Beach, the Kennedy Space Center, and the Aventura Mall. 

You cannot say you had one of the purest East Coast road trips experience without fully experiencing the three stops mentioned above.

Of course, don’t forget South Beach, the best part of Miami Beach and one of the best East Coast beaches . No East Coast road trip itinerary is complete without a stop here.

However, many other locations, such as the Ponce de Leon Lighthouse, McCarthy’s Wildlife Sanctuary, and the Stetson Mansion, may be more suitable for younger people, young couples, and young families. 

While there are thousands of suitable activities and locations for people of all ages, visiting as many as possible will allow you to obtain multiple once-in-a-lifetime experiences.

More East Coast USA Road Trips Worth Checking Out 

Charleston, South Carolina (don’t miss Kiawah Island and Folly Beach), to Savannah, Georgia

Savannah, Georgia, to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina

Jekyll Island to Atlanta, Georgia

Washington D.C. to Blackwater Falls State Park, West Virginia

We hope you enjoyed these East Coast road trip ideas! Be sure to share it with your friends!

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10 of the Best U.S. Road Trips for Families

Create memories with your kids on these short but sweet journeys that feature stunning scenery and unique landmarks.

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

A road trip is a classic American vacation, but it takes planning to make it great — especially when little ones are involved. To help you plan your family's next journey, we've rounded up some of the best road trips around the United States for families with kids, from single-day jaunts to journeys that can take more than a week. With stops the whole crew will enjoy, these drives are sure to create memories that will last a lifetime.

Charleston, South Carolina, to Savannah, Georgia

Explore two popular Southern cities on one trip with this short-distance getaway. The drive from Charleston straight to Savannah takes just under two hours, but we'd recommend extending your itinerary over a few days so you can stop to enjoy the outstanding hotels and beaches along the way. You can stay at The Sanctuary on Kiawah Island an hour south of Charleston, or fill up the tank for a beach day at Hilton Head , only an hour farther. Once you've passed through Savannah, drive one more hour south for a stay at The Cloister at Sea Island . This five-star resort is another good option for families, with plenty of swimming, fishing, and nature walks.

San Diego to Los Angeles, California

At around two hours, this drive is easy for parents and just long enough to be exciting for the kids. San Diego, Los Angeles, and the stretches of coast between them are packed with beaches and a plethora of crowd-pleasing attractions. Explore the San Diego Zoo, Legoland California, and Disneyland, about a 30-minute from downtown L.A. in Anaheim.

New York City or Boston to Cape Cod, Massachusetts

Whether you choose to stay in a shingled cottage or beachfront apartment, your kids will fall hard for the Cape . Wellfleet is a particularly great destination for families, reachable in two hours from Boston or five hours from New York City. You'll want to stop in other charming towns along the way, like Falmouth and Chatham, before settling in the sands of the Outer Cape. Once you're there, no trip is complete without a visit to Mac's on the Pier , where you can gaze out at the harbor and feast on whole belly clams. Exploring one of the Cape's kettle ponds, which families often have all to themselves, is also a must, as is checking out the Wellfleet Bay Wildlife Sanctuary , home to five miles of trails and salt marshes.

Pacific Coast Highway, California

Beginning in Orange County's Dana Point and reaching north to San Francisco, this popular drive can be completed in under eight hours. But why keep it short? With many major stops — from Los Angeles to Carmel-by-the-Sea — you could make this road trip last for days. Driving northward, head to the top of the Topanga Lookout in Malibu for incredible views of the San Fernando Valley. A few hours north in Santa Ynez wine country, relax with a glass of vino as you plot your visit to Hearst Castle. Kids and adults alike will marvel at the media magnate's vast estate, with its sprawling gardens, Roman-style pool, and extensive art collection.

New York City to Philadelphia to the Poconos

At Woodloch Resort in the Pocono Mountains, you'll feel like you're back at summer camp — in a good way. On and off the property, there's plenty to do, including golf, paintball, fishing, and more. A variety of accommodation options are available, too, perfect for families of any size. Whether or not you're headed to the Woodloch, though, the Poconos are an easy getaway for East Coasters. New York City is about a two-hour drive and Philadelphia is about three hours; the two cities can easily be combined with a Poconos visit for a fun multiday adventure.

Boston, Massachusetts, to Stowe, Vermont

Stowe, Vermont, is a great destination in all seasons for families road tripping within New England. Just three hours from Boston, the town offers some of the East Coast's best skiing in wintertime and an abundance of outdoor adventure in summer. On your warm-weather visit, cool off with the kids at the Waterbury Reservoir in Waterbury Center State Park , or enjoy the fresh mountain air with a hiking or biking excursion.

There are few roads as iconic as Route 66 , so why not take your kids on this classic American trip? Whether you embark on the full journey from Chicago to Los Angeles or opt for a smaller section, you're bound to have a memorable time. Little ones will love the route's kitschy roadside attractions (world's biggest ketchup bottle, anyone?), while adults will be wowed by the scenery, from the wide-open spaces of west Texas to the mountains of Santa Fe.

Tucson to the Grand Canyon, Arizona

Lauren Breedlove/Travel + Leisure

Take in some of the country's best views on a multiday road trip through Arizona . Start in Tucson and visit Saguaro National Park to see the namesake cacti before heading to Scottsdale. Next up, drive to the stunning, red rock-surrounded town of Sedona. Finally, continue north to Grand Canyon National Park for a couple of days in the great outdoors, reveling in this massive natural wonder.

Rocky Mountain Loop from Denver

If you'd like to swap red rocks for snowy mountaintops, set off on a Colorado road trip through some of the state's incredible national parks and charming small towns. From Denver, head northwest to Boulder and Estes Park, a perfect home base for exploring Rocky Mountain National Park . Drive farther into the mountains to check out towns like Glenwood Springs, Telluride, and Durango, all located in the western part of the state. Spend a day at Mesa Verde National Park , home to ancient Native cave dwellings that will fascinate kids and grown-ups alike before turning back east. Great Sand Dunes National Park and Colorado Springs are great stops en route back to Denver.

Blue Ridge Parkway

Beautiful year-round but especially colorful in spring and fall, the Blue Ridge Parkway makes for an excellent family road trip. Connecting Shenandoah National Park and Great Smoky Mountains National Park , the Blue Ridge Parkway offers scenic mountain and foliage views across the Appalachian landscapes of Virginia and North Carolina. Plus, there are plenty of great hikes for all skill levels and places to camp along the parkway if you want to spend a few nights under the stars.

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The Ultimate Guide to USA Road Trip

Although it’s tempting to head overseas every time you get a bit of vacation time, taking a road trip around America can be just as eye-opening and exciting! A USA road trip can help you see parts of the country you may not have considered visiting before and will give you a better understanding and appreciation of the beauty of landscapes within the United States. 

*This post may contain affiliate links, as a result, we may receive a small commission (at no extra cost to you) on any bookings/purchases you make through the links in this post. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases. Read our full disclosure

Don’t leave your home without Travel Insurance! From the US?  We recommend  Allianz Travel Insurance,  a world leader in travel protection and  our trusted Travel Insurance partner  for the last 5 years. Allianz offers  Single Trip and Annual Travel Insurance Policies  that include medical coverage, trip cancellation, rental car insurance and more! (Benefits vary by state and by plan, so read your policy carefully!)  Not a US resident?  Consider  Safety Wing ,  a  budget friendly travel insurance provider  with travel insurance plans for Digital Nomads and travelers from all around the world

Renting a vehicle for a drive across America (or using your own) and heading out to discover what many consider to be their own backyard can be just as fun as heading to exotic locations. 

A cross country road trip is the perfect holiday option when flights are expensive or if you are looking for a more eco-conscious way to explore the country. Whether you only have a few days or want to take a 2-week road trip, USA destinations can really surprise you! There are plenty of road trip ideas and itineraries to explore.

Check out our latest Road Trip

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Best 2 Week Road Trip – USA Routes

You don’t need to cram a whole 48-state road trip into 2 weeks. These 2 week road trip ideas highlight the best of different parts of the USA.   

West Coast America Road Trip: California, Highway 101

This west coast USA road trip is definitely a classic road trip option as the Californian highway is peppered with lovely towns with views of the Pacific Coast. Typically planning a California 2 week road trip, USA, along Highway 101 calls for driving from San Francisco to San Diego (or the reverse) and has several stops along the way.

Of course, it’s your 2 week US road trip so hit whatever stops interest you, but here are a few destinations suggestions for your west coast of USA road trip.

• Start your road trip adventures in San Francisco and take a tour of the city highlights along with a stop at Alcatraz . 
• Head to Santa Cruz and stop at the amusement park, Beach Boardwalk . 
• Don’t miss Monterey , which has boutiques, bars, and restaurants in converted factories. The area also has Monterey Bay Aquarium , which is actively involved in conservation efforts. 
• Next, the coast highway will take you to Big Sur a mountainous area, national park, and one of the most famed places on a 2 week road trip across America. Slightly below is San Simeon , where you can view migrating elephant seals. 
• Pismo Beach is known for its wineries and beaches, and Monarchs migrate south to this area in the cooler weather. 
• See the architecture in Santa Barbara , California.
• Include Malibu in your USA road trip planner to see the beach.
• Experience Hollywood in Los Angeles
• Finish your trip at the galleries and museums in San Diego.

A California Highway 1 USA road trip, west coast, offers a huge variety of experiences . There really is a little something for everyone along this route. If you like Pacific coast scenes, this is the best US road trip for you.

READ NEXT: ULTIMATE WEST COAST ROAD TRIP ITINERARY

Chicago to Los Angeles Road Trip, Route 66

This stretch is a historic route and one of the most famous trips around America. Route 66 deserves a try if you want to drive part way across the country on a 2 week cross country RV trip.

• Start your USA road trip planning in Chicago (or you could end here if you choose). It allows you to visit one of the many museums, such as the Art Institute of Chicago . 
• Next on your US trip head to see the arch in St. Louis
• Drive through the heartlands of Oklahoma with stops in both Tulsa and Oklahoma City, both of which are known for their architecture. 
• Route 66 also passes through the upper tip of Texas , which takes you through Amarillo and also through Jericho Gap , where many cars once got stranded in the mud on old Route 66 on their road trips of America. 
• The beautiful views and varied landscapes of the Midwest continue through New Mexico (be sure to stop in Albuquerque and Santa Fe , New Mexico).
• Travel America via Route 66 to Arizona, with Flagstaff and Sedona taking center stage as points along the two week road trip, USA.
• Hollywood and Sunset Boulevard are good points to visit while you are in Los Angeles, California. 

Route 66 is one of the most iconic road trips in the US and often listed as one of the best US road trips. If you have more time then consider extending your trip into a 3 week road trip across America. However, if you do extend ensure you consider the additional cost to drive across country.

East Coast Road Trip: New York City to Miami, Route 95

An east coast USA road trip has a lot to do, and being able to take it at your own pace is a good way to go . Add the following places to your US road trip planner to make the most of your America trip.

• Start your America road trips in New York City, where you can visit the Statue of Liberty , attend a Broadway show, or hit all the major sites in New York with a guided tour . 
• From there, head south through Baltimore (which is worth a stop!) 
• Continue down to the nation’s capital of Washington, DC, where you can view many of the sites on a “hop on hop off” bus tour . 
• This route will also take you through the beautiful states of Virginia (possibly stop in Richmond ) and North Carolina before you hit Savannah on your roadtrip. America is full of history and lovely architecture in this area.
• Once you hit Florida , you will head through Jacksonville , West Palm Beach , and Fort Lauderdale.
• If you want to veer off of Route 95 just a bit, you can visit the oldest town in the US, which is St. Augustine. It’s filled with museums, lovely buildings, and a Spanish fort from the 1500s.
• Once you end your journey in Miami , you can head to South Beach, visit the Art Deco district, or take an airboat ride to view alligators in their natural habitat.

If you are an American road trip planner who wants a taste of a little bit of everything or if you are history buff then you might consider Route 95 one of the best road trips in USA.

This 2 week road trip across America takes you between two of the nation’s biggest cities , gives you a chance to explore the past, and will win you over with the charm of the people you meet along the way. However, if you are going to be indulging in the big cities ensure you include that in your road trip USA budget.

Colorado Road Trip

If you want to experience the beauty of inland United States, Colorado definitely delivers. For this route, consider starting your road trip USA planning in Denver

• Visit the Lookout Mountain and take a tour of the Rocky Mountains . 
• S pend a day in Boulder and take a tour of Rocky Mountain National Park and experience the trails. 
• The Glenwood Springs area offers some of the most gorgeous views of any American road trips, so have your camera ready! 
• Grand Junction is next, which is home to parks, trails, and the Colorado National Monument . 
• You can also stop in Ouray , which has lots of hiking options and then be sure to stop for a day in Mesa Verde National Park , which is full of history from the Ancestral Pueblo people.
• Other stops along the way include Buena Vista – home of the Rio Grande National Park Forest – and Colorado Springs – where you can take a segway tour of the Garden of the Gods .

We think this is one of the USA best road trips for getting close to natural destinations and exploring national parks. If you are self-contained and stay in free camping spots along the way you can really reduce your road trip across America cost too.

READ NEXT: OUR ULTIMATE COLORADO ROAD TRIP ITINERARY

Southern USA Road Trip: Savannah to San Diego

Heading from coast to coast can be one of the USA best road trips as you get a glimpse of what each state offers.

• Start your road trip routes in Savannah , Georgia, a quintessential southern town with beautiful architecture and trees dripping with Spanish moss. 
• Then stop Atlanta for a 1.5-hour highlight tour of this capital city .
• The route also passes through popular US towns such as Birmingham , Alabama ; Jackson , Mississippi ; and Shreveport , Louisiana . These towns all showcase America’s southern history and sites that were significant in the civil rights movement. 
• Then you will arrive in Dallas , Texas , where you can take a tour to learn about this historic city .
• Continue on to El, Paso, Texas on your road trip USA before you get to beautiful Tuscon, Arizona , where you can add a bit of adventure to your trip by exploring history on a scavenger hunt .
• End your trip in San Diego by exploring the historic old town on a narrated trolley tour .

Road trip routes through the Southern United States will give you a taste of Southern charm and will give you a chance to learn about the civil rights movement – exactly where it took place. However, keep in mind that big-city travel can really cut into your cross country road trip cost so be wary of your spending there if you are trying to keep your road trip America cost low. 

Road Trip Across America: Cost Considerations

If you have ever considered a road trip across America, you’ll have asked yourself “how much does it cost to drive cross country?” and considered the cross country road trip cost .

If you don’t have a vehicle at your disposal, you’ll need to rent one. It’s practically impossible to rent a car in the US for less than $40/day and it’s really hard to find a deal for an RV for under $100/night. So this will affect your road trip America cost – but it is a necessary expense.

Add in spending on gas, accommodation, food, etc and your cost of cross country road trip will quickly add up , making what seemed like a great vacation idea seem like a rather expensive getaway.

We’re always crunching numbers and asking ourselves, “how much does it cost to travel around the world?” But we really had no idea of the road trip across America cost!

Planning for our trip, we knew that sticking to a small daily budget was going to be tough, but we wanted to see if we could keep our road trip across America cost to $125/day for two people (Spoiler: we almost did!).

How Long Does it Take to Drive Across America?

It is totally up to you to decide how long does it take to drive across the US. Each of the road trip routes we have suggested can be completed comfortably in two weeks . However, there are innumerable things to do along the way and the States is a big country so you can take as long as you like.

We met people who had been on the road for years, making their way slowly across the country. So, as you can imagine, there are no hard and fast rules to answering how long does it take to drive across America – the decision is up to you!

But how long does it take to drive across America non-stop anyway? If you weren’t in it for the journey and were just trying to zoom from coast to coast as quickly as possible, you could do it in 35-45 hours. Some people even take it a step further and take on the 48 states in 10 days route . This is a surefire way to check off tons of states on your list but we much prefer to enjoy the journey as much as the end destination.

Is it Safe to Drive Across America?

Of course! Always be sure to educate yourself on state driving laws while following the speed limit and being aware of your surroundings. There are A LOT of large transport trucks on American highways so be mindful of passing etiquette and you’ll be good to go.

Cross-Country Road Trip Cost

Here is a detailed breakdown of our cross-country road trip cost to help you answer the question of “how much does it cost to drive across the country?” It is based on our 16 days 3,000 mile/4,500kms road trip from Chicago to Los Angeles .

If you are wondering “How much does it cost to drive across the country?” the first thing to consider is the cost of driving itself. 

The cost of driving from Chicago to Los Angeles was by far the biggest percentage of our overall USA road trip budget . We knew that we had to find a cheap way to get around or this USA road trip ideas would quickly be thrown out the window.

RV Rental – $610 ($38/day)

Luckily, we were able to use some of the tips and tricks we learned while traveling around Australia to determine how much it would cost to travel across America. Then apply them to help our 2 week cross country RV trip cost in the US.  

We were lucky to have been able to find a GREAT DEAL for a campervan rental at just $39/night.

While it wasn’t as good as $1/day, the deal offered us a longer rental, giving us more time on the road , and a brand new (hence the factory relocation) massive RV for our cross-country road trip. It was big enough for 7 people, so having all the space for just 2 of us felt like absolute luxury. 

The total for 16 days/15 nights added up to $610 of our cross country road trip cost.

READ NEXT: 12 Best Van Conversion Companies That Will Build Your Van for You

Fuel – $682 ($42/day)

Gas ended up costing a bit more than we would’ve liked on our 2 week road trip across America, adding up to almost 30% of our total travel budget . With 3,000 miles (around 4,500 km) ahead of us on our 2-week road trip, we knew that we’d need around 6 tanks of gas to get us from Chicago to Los Angeles , but we underestimated the cost of gas across the country and our RV’s efficiency on the road. How much does a cross country road trip cost? More than we thought as far as fuel was concerned.

Propane = $60 ($4/day)

When budgeting for our trip, we completely forgot to account for the cost of propane . It didn’t add up to a lot, which was surprising considering that the stove, fridge, furnace, and water heater in our RV were all powered by propane. All things considered, it was a small drop in a big bucket but should be accounted for if you’re the designated road trip USA planner.

Accommodation Costs = $179 ($12/day)

Despite the fact that our RV was completely self-sustainable (it was equipped with a shower, toilet, and a full-size kitchen), we weren’t able to spend more than 2-3 days away from an RV park during our trip.

To our greatest surprise, RV parks in the US weren’t as cheap as we expected. We planned on spending $10-15/night for a powered site, but in reality, we never found anything for less than $30/night. It was yet another thing that added more than we thought to our United States road trip cost.

On nights when we didn’t need to be plugged in, we followed seasoned RV’ers advice and parked in Walmart parking lots or enjoyed being away from it all by finding an isolated spot in the middle of a forest road just off of our trip routes.

Food Costs = $339 ($21/day)

To keep our cross country road trip cost down, we choose not to eat out on this trip and cooked most of our meals in the RV . But we didn’t deprive ourselves.

We stocked up on fresh fruits and veggies, good quality meats, and nutrient-rich ingredients. Let’s face it, American groceries tend to be a bit more expensive than what we had been used to in Costa Rica so we had to keep our food expenses in check. Since our American road trip budget didn’t allow for daily meals out, we made sure to cook up a storm and make a big deal out of our meals.

We drank wine, enjoyed some beers, and even splurged on desserts! Needless to say, we weren’t starving throughout our trip and our food and drinks expenses reflected that.

Cost of Supplies

Rv supplies – $292 ($18/day).

It cost us a few hundred dollars to stock up on various supplies for the RV . There were a few road trip accessories that we can’t believe we didn’t think of before our trip and some bedding and kitchen supplies.  

Cruise America offers to rent bedding and crockery to guests for their USA road trips but we figured that we could find much better quality stuff if we were to buy it ourselves for our 2 week cross country RV trip. And we did!

At the end of the trip, we took all the supplies up to Oksana’s parent’s house in Canada. One day, we’ll dig them up from storage in the basement and use them for another drive across America! 

How much does a road trip cost? A lot less when you already have the supplies from a previous trip!

READ NEXT: 12 ROAD TRIP ACCESSORIES THAT WILL TAKE YOUR TRIP FROM GOOD TO GREAT

Mobile Phone – $60 ($4/day)

To stay connected on the road we purchased a 30-day 10GB mobile data plan from T-Mobile for $60 . It was a pricey investment and one that we completely forgot to account for at the beginning of planning a road trip across the States, but being able to stay connected and keep up with our work while on the road warranted the expense. 

A great alternative, which we didn’t know about it at the time, would have been a Solis Hotspot . Solis Hotspot offers flexible data plans , including Unlimited Data plans for heavy users or a Pay Per Use plan at just $9/1GB ideal for someone who just wants to stay connected and keep up with emails/messages or spends hours on social media while on this trip.

Cost of Activities – $160 ($10/day)

We didn’t spend a ton of money on activities throughout our road trip across America . Cost was factored into many of the things we did. 

We splurged on a Cog Railway ticket to the top of Pikes Peak, because hiking up the mountain wasn’t an option in my condition , and our 30 foot RV wouldn’t have made it up the winding roads either. Luckily, it was a great journey and money well spent.

National Parks Pass – $80

Another expense that we incurred on the trip was the cost of a yearly National Parks Pass ($80) . We got lucky with our timing as the first week of our trip coincided with the Annual National Parks Week , which gave us access to all National Parks across the country for free.

But by the time we got down to Arizona and California, the deal was off and the steep price at the Grand Canyon and at the Joshua Tree National Park made the $80 we paid for the pass completely worth it.

We think that $80 for an annual park’s pass was very reasonable. Especially considering they were some of the highlights of our American road trip. You can pre-purchase your National Park’s Pass here .

2 Week Road Trip USA – Total Cost – $2,382 ($149/day)

Our road trip across America cost us $2,382, or an average of $149/day between both of us for a 16-day road trip across the US. 

It’s more than the $125/day that we planned on for our USA road trip budget, but we’re not kicking ourselves for it. Our estimate for how much would it cost to travel across America was a bit off, but we had a great experience despite a bit of increased road trip cost.

Looking back on our spending patterns, we realized that the biggest cost drivers were RV rental and gas . And while it might be possible to reduce the daily gas costs by staying on the road for longer and spreading the cost of gas over more days, the increase in daily RV rental would probably offset that.

READ NEXT: WE ARE GOING ON A ROAD TRIP ACROSS THE U.S.

How to Save on USA Road Trips

Looking ahead, we are not giving up on our mission to find more cost-effective ways to enjoy USA road trips . Next time, we plan USA road trips we will cover shorter distances (and save on gas in the process), look for even better relocation deals, and use some of our existing supplies to help us save on USA road trips costs. 

We are confident that we can make it happen on future road trips, USA! Of course, having now put together this handy cross country road trip cost calculator it will be helpful in estimating all travel costs ahead of the trip. 

We hope that this info can also aid you in determining how much your road trips USA may cost.

Road Trips USA – Eco-Friendly Tips

American road trips USA can take its toll on the environment but there are ways to minimize its effects. Not to mention, we tend to find that the more eco-friendly a trip is the more cost-effective trip too!

• Choose a hybrid model or energy-efficient vehicle whenever possible.
• If you’re driving your own car or an RV get it serviced prior to your USA road trip. Your RV or car rental agency will do this for you but you can still check your oil and tire pressure regularly while you’re on the road for better fuel efficiency.

• When it’s hot out roll down the windows instead of using A/C for better fuel economy.
• Choose eco-friendly accommodation options , and restaurants while on the road. Try camping or staying in national parks like we did, and shopping for food at local farmers markets.  
• Avoid single-use plastics and minimize packaging by using reusable grocery bags and collapsible containers when you need to restock food and refreshments. 
• Don’t forget to invest in a good reusable water bottle.
• Bring your friends! It’s always better to travel with a full car or RV. A five-person vehicle is so much more eco-friendly and cost-effective than traveling with a couple of two-seaters.

Your USA Best Road Trips Await

No matter what USA road trip routes you take, one thing reigns true – the United States is filled with variety! From mountainous regions and oceans to historic cities and untouched land, there are so many things to do on a two-week road trip for a variety of tastes.

We hope this article will give you the USA road trip ideas and tools you need to plan your trip. See you on the road

Do you have any questions about an American road trip? Itinerary planning? Road trip suggestions are always welcome!

Read Next: Road Trip Essentials: 50 Things To Bring On A Road Trip

About The Author

Oksana & Max St John

34 thoughts on “the ultimate guide to usa road trip”.

Excellent article. I was wondering what it was costing you to travel around. I know in New Zealand I got a great deal on Toyota Space Wagon and it was very cheap. Obviously your RV was much larger and better equipped but it’s still fairly expensive it would seem.

We never paid for RV parks or stuff either, we used to sneak into hostels and use their showers (I was young and on a budget so forgive me)!

But I remember the freedom of travelling around in the car and the complete freedom was an amazing feeling. I have been wondering how a road trip across America would compare to my recent trips to Uzbekistan and other more average priced destinations. It seems that the price is comparable if there are two people travelling.

Thanks for information.

We know we didn’t get the best deal on the campervan itself, so that’s a cost we can improve on, but the rest of it really just comes down to the price of gas and groceries. That’s really where the bulk of the costs comes from. Also, if you don’t have a large RV with a toilet and/or shower and don’t need to dump gray/black water, then there is really no need to stay in RV parks in the US either. There are tons of truck stops along the highways where you can actually shower and use the toilet for free or for next to nothing. Unfortunately, that wasn’t an option for us. At least not with this RV.

Your pictures are beautiful! 🙂 My dad always wanted to take RV trips, but they can definitely be more expensive than you would expect.

Julia http://www.thephillyphotoblog.com/

Thanks for sharing! I would love to do a road trip across the US in the next few years, and may look at doing an RV. My husband and I are doing a short RV trip from Darwin, Australia in a few weeks, and we learnt that it’s definitely not cheap – especially when we didn’t want to use Wicked, plus needed a guaranteed Auto. (Luckily as a travel blogger I managed to get a good discount!)

We found Apollo to be great in that part of Australia. They had some great $1/day deals from Darwin to Perth when we looked into it. If you end up doing more road trips in US or in Australia, look into Imoova – great rates on relocations in both Australia and the US.

My friend told me about how RV’ing is a huge culture down in the United States, and that it is quite common to park at Walmart parking lots overnight to reduce costs. I thought he was just kidding about that, but you have confirmed that it is not the case. I would have assumed you would get ticketed or towed if you did that.

Also, you can overnight at some large truck stops, some casinos, and our state parks and national parks are very reasonably priced, but some of the more popular ones are reserved up to a year ahead. For self-contained (no hook up)/boondock/’dispersed’ camp sites, there are many free places in the western part of the country–BLM (Bureau of Land Management) and COE (Corps of Engineers). Campendium is a good resource to find these.There are also apps where you can find pump outs and potable water to refill your tanks, without staying in an expensive RV park.

Nice post. So its cost you close to 2400US dollars for the travel. You guys really have a huge budget for the journey.

We usually travel on a budget of $100/day between both of us, which isn’t that high at all! On this trip, we went a bit over budget, which sometimes happens. Luckily, we are able to offset more expensive trips like this one with cheaper destinations and make sure that we stick to our $100/day budget on average for the year!

Sounds wonderful! We have recently retired and are really wanting to travel west, being from Illinois, but we always thought the RV would be way out of our budget. But, when you consider hotel rooms and restaurants in a car(even a fuel efficient one like ours), the RV rental makes a lot of sense. I always see them parked at Wal-Mart’s and truck stops. One question? Can we make it to Los Angeles, up the Pacific Coast Highway, Yosemite and back to Illinois on Hwy 80 in 2 weeks?

@SALLY Miller : I don’t see why not ,but here’s the thing , why would you want to put yourself in time constraints ? Taking you on that trip is about 5300 miles dividing that into 14 days is about 350 miles a day, taking you to Portland Or. and back. I’d try to take more time if it were me .

Did you ever drive and stay in the cities at that RV? Is that possible to go through Chicago by the way?

We mostly stayed in National Parks or in designated RV sites. There were some in the cities, but we did not stay in Chicago. We started our trip just outside of Chicago, so we did not need to drive through the city. But, there is no reason why you would not be able to go on the highway with your RV.

I am amazed and excited to read about your journey. It would help me a lot in planning my trips. You missed my country Pakistan. I suggest that you should explore the cultural city of Lahore and Northern Pakistan. Let me know if I can be on any help.

Thank you soooo much for posting all this detail! Our family of 4 (maybe 5 if the niece comes along) is going to do about a 3k R/T Eastern Canada trip and I can actually apply so much of your budget to our trip. And your resources. You’re legends – the both of you!

You seriously don’t know how much I appreciate this!!!

Happy to hear that you have found the post helpful. Enjoy your adventure 🙂

Thanks for all the great information, sounds like you had a wonderful time. My family and friends are planning a USA trip from Australia next September 2020. I was wondering who you went with for the hire of the RV? Thanks Tracey

We hired our RV through Cruise America. They had a great relocation deal that helped us save tons on the rental.

How did you rent your camper so cheap? Cruise America is quoting me over $5,000 for a two weeks. Thanks Nathan

We scored a great relocator deal! You have to be flexible with your dates and your route and you can find some great budget-friendly options.

For those who don’t know, a “relocator deal” is when they need the rig moved to where you are going. You are actually transporting the vehicle for them, and using it along the way.

Thanks for all the tips!

I enjoyed visiting your webiste. I rarely leave comments, but you definately deserve a thumbs up!

Just read your post on your drive across America from Chicago to LA. I have been wanting to take my family on a cross country trip for along time. I was just looking at RV rentals and chose Cruise America like the one you used. What am I missing? A standard RV rental for cross country trip both ways from GA to CA is over $4000 even with a 50% off promo code. You don’t just have to pay for the rental, you have to pay for mileage also. I was expecting a cross country budget for my family of 6 (me, my wife, and 4 daughters all under 9 years) to be around $5K-6K . The cost of RV rental would almost double that budget estimate and puts this trip out of reach. How did you rent an RV for 16 days for $600+?

Hi Will, we mention our “trick” in the article a bit. We found a great relocation deal for our road trip. These are quite common and are offered by many RV providers, but they do require you to be somewhat flexible with your dates and sometimes even destinations. A relocation deal is a special discount offered on one-way rentals when the rental company really needs to get an RV from one destination to another. Instead of hiring a worker to drive the RV to the desired destination, they put the vehicle up for rent, specifying the dates and route that needs to be taken. It’s worth looking through the deals if you have flexibility. Good luck with your search!

I just checked RV price on Cruiseamerica.com and the price is far more expensive from what You presented.

Estimate (All Prices USD $) 15 Nights $1270.05 1500 Estimated miles: $525.00 Supplemental Liability Insurance: No Charge Environment Fee: $7.00 Subtotal: $1802.05 State Tax: $108.12 Damage Deposit: $500.00 Total Charge: $2410.17

Hi Dario, yes regular price for an RV will be much higher. We got ours through a relocation deal. It was a one-way rental deal with a particular route and for specific dates. Check their relocation deals and see what they might have on offer right now. Keep in mind that you will need to stay flexible with dates and route if you want to score a deal like we did.

I have an interesting situation. Our leased car has 7000 miles left over due to lock down. So only gas cost is there. It is a suv large size very comfortable but gas consumption will be high. Your suggestion of national park tickets in membership is a good one.. thanks for your tips. If you had included Things not to miss would have been great.

Glad you found the tips useful. Hope you find a fun way to use up those extra miles on your car. Sounds like a road trip is a must!

I’m planning a cross country road trip from NY to California and need suggestions on itinerary and best sightseeing routes, places to stay etc. I found your article very informative, thanks

Such a fascinating read. It’s amazing to see a full break down of what you paid for your road trip! Thank you for the amazing tips, and info, this really helps!

Hi dear Oksana&Max I’m Dariush from Iran. I enjoyed this text.thanks for excellent description about your trip. I hope could make program to travel to the us in close future. I invite you to come Iran. I can be your free host. Hope to see you

Thank you for sharing your incredible travel journal. Amazing Mind Blowing Video.

Good you explained everything in detail it has been a great help. Thanks for sharing the Useful and Informative Blog. Wonderful travel blog along with beautiful pics. This is the amazing Travel Plan.

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5 Great RV Road Trip Routes in the United States

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RV camping is one of the most exciting and rewarding ways to explore the United States. Few modes of transport allow travelers to cover so much distance for little money while coming face-to-face with the nation's natural treasures.

We've come up with five route suggestions for folks looking to hit the road and tour America's most beautiful natural preserves.

» Learn more: The beginner’s guide to renting an RV

California loop

Distance: 2,226 miles

California offers a cornucopia of natural beauty, from towering redwood forests to dusty deserts to breathtaking seascapes and shorelines. This 14-destination loop will take RV travelers across the entire state. While we start our journey just northeast of San Diego and go in a clockwise loop, you can use any location as your starting point. We've highlighted some of the top nature and camping destinations across California, but feel free to improvise as there is no shortage of parks and preserves in the Golden State.

A. Anza-Borrego State Park

B. Arthur B. Ripley Desert Woodland State Park.

C. Julia Pfeiffer Burns State Park.

D. Big Basin Redwoods State Park

E. Point Reyes.

F. Prairie Creek Redwoods State Park.

G. Klamath National Forest.

H. Shasta National Forest.

I. Lake Tahoe.

J. Grover Hot Springs.

K. Yosemite National Park.

L. John Muir Wilderness.

M. Death Valley.

N. Joshua Tree National Park.

Rocky Mountains

Distance: 2,826 miles

The Rocky Mountains stretch over 3,000 miles from New Mexico to British Columbia and offer a life's worth of exploration opportunities. You could spend weeks at Yellowstone and Grand Teton alone. We've chosen just a few of the more popular destinations and suggest you set aside a hefty chunk of time for this trip. Again, the locations are ordered clockwise, but you can jump in at the most convenient destination. We begin in southern Idaho.

A. Sawtooth National Forest, Idaho.

B. Craters of the Moon Monument, Idaho.

C. National Elk Refuge, Wyo.

D. Grand Teton National Park, Wyo.

E. Yellowstone National Park, Mont.

F. Glacier National Park, Mont.

G. Bighorn Canyon National Recreation Area, Mont.

H. Devil's Tower National Monument, Wyo.

I. Rocky Mountain National Park, Colo.

J. Great Sand Dunes National Park, Colo.

K. Mesa Verde National Park, Colo.

L. Black Canyon of the Gunnison National Park, Colo.

Distance: 2,332 miles

The classic American road trip, Route 66 spans from Chicago to Los Angeles. Unlike the other trips we list here, Route 66 is less a nature excursion and more a nostalgic cruise along a collection of museums, diners and roadside attractions. Route 66 has hundreds of potential stops; we've chosen just a few. If you plan on taking Route 66 both away from home and back toward it, remember to leave plenty of attractions for the return trip.

A. Chicago, Ill.

B. Route 66 Association Hall of Fame and Museum, Ill.

C. Lincoln's Tomb, Ill.

D. St. Louis, Mo.

E. Mark Twain National Forest, Mo.

F. Galena Mining and Historical Museum, Kan.

G. Route 66 Vintage Iron Motorcycle Museum, Okla.

H. Oklahoma Route 66 Museum, Okla.

I. Palo Duro State Park, Texas

J. Cadillac Ranch, Texas

K. Route 66 Auto Museum, N.M.

L. Red Rock State Park, N.M.

M. Petrified Forest National Park, Ariz.

N. Meteor Crater, Ariz.

O. The Grand Canyon, Ariz.

P. Los Angeles, Calif.

New England loop

Distance: 1,515 miles

A road trip around New England offers a balanced blend of verdant forests, rocky seascapes, colonial history and gorgeous seaside towns. We start our loop in upstate New York, heading east and north into the parks of upper New England. After Acadia, head south along the coast for breathtaking ocean views. A collection of historic New England towns (Salem, Cape Cod and more) will provide a break from the greenery and a lesson in American history. Pick up the route at the location closest to you.

A. Adirondack State Park, N.Y.

B. Green Mountain National Forest, Vt.

C. White Mountain National Forest, N.H.

D. Allagash Wilderness Waterway State Park, Maine

E. Acadia National Park, Maine

F. Minute Man National Historic Park, Mass.

G. Salem, Mass.

H. Boston, Mass.

I. Cape Cod, Mass.

J. Jamestown, R.I.

K. Fort Adams State Park, R.I.

L. Mystic Seaport, Conn.

M. Hammonasset State Park, Conn.

N. Fort Hale Park, Conn.

O. Ferris Lake, N.Y.

Distance: 5,776 miles

The Southern states have plenty to offer in terms of nature, culture and relaxation. A satisfying southern RV expedition will sample forests, beaches and everything in between. This loop starts in historic Savannah, drops down into Florida and meanders along the Southern coast before launching back east into Tennessee and Virginia. The last leg of the journey comprises a series of beaches for a proper cool down at the end of a long journey. Of course, you can begin anywhere along the route and eventually end up back where you started.

A. Savannah, Ga.

B. Ocala National Forest, Fla.

C. Big Cypress National Preserve, Fla.

D. Everglades National Park, Fla.

E. Apalachicola National Forest, Fla.

F. Blackwater River State Park, Fla.

G. De Soto National Forest, Fla.

H. New Orleans, La.

I. Kisatchie National Forest, La.

J. Houston, Texas

K. Sam Houston National Forest, Texas

L. Ouachita National Forest, Ark.

M. Ozark National Forest, Ark.

N. Memphis, Tenn.

O. Nashville, Tenn.

P. Cherokee National Forest, Tenn.

Q. Chattahoochee National Forest, Ga.

R. George Washington National Forest, Va.

S. Virginia Beach, Va.

T. Myrtle Beach, S.C.

U. Hilton Head, S.C.

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A first-timer’s guide to Zion National Park

May 6, 2024 • 12 min read

Plan your trip to Zion National Park with this first-timer's guide © Mark Muratore / Shutterstock

Heavenly Zion National Park is the holy grail of Utah’s "Mighty 5"  and one of the most-visited national parks in the country. 

The towering red and white cliffs of Zion Canyon, one of Utah's most dramatic natural wonders, loom high over the Virgin River, and are enshrined in the park’s original name, Mukuntuweap, the Native Paiute word meaning "straight canyon." Mormon settlers who arrived here in the 19th century rechristened it Zion, an ancient Hebrew word meaning "sanctuary."

It’s impossible not to be overcome by the awesomeness of Zion, and the names of its prominent features and rock formations reflect the early Anglo view that Zion is a place on a higher plane: Angels Landing, Court of the Patriarchs , Cathedral Mountain and the Temple of Sinawava, named for the Paiute coyote spirit.

Hiking through the Virgin River in the Narrows or gaping at the canyon from the top of Angels Landing after a 1500ft ascent is indeed amazing, but for all its might and majesty, Zion National Park also holds smaller and more delicate beauties: sandstone rocks "weeping" with water, tiny grottoes, hanging gardens and mesa-top wildflower meadows.

Zion’s beauty is no secret. Nearly five million people pass through its entrances every year, making it the third most-visited national park in the United States . Summers can sometimes feel claustrophobic, and more mandatory permits have been introduced to control the crowds. But quieter corners can still be found, and much of Zion's 232 sq miles are little-visited backcountry.

If it’s your first time visiting Zion National Park, here’s a guide to what you need to know before you go.

When should I go to Zion National Park?

Zion is one of the most-visited national parks in the United States, and about half a million people pour through the park’s entrances every month between April and October. The best times to visit Zion National Park, spring and autumn, bring balmy temperatures and relief from sweaty summers and frosty winters, but these seasons also attract crowds looking to enjoy the park at its prime.

However, if you’re set on hiking the Narrows, spring and summer can be tricky times to visit. The springtime snowmelt that feeds the Virgin River can send water levels soaring, and when the flow of water is faster than 150 cubic feet per second, the National Park Service closes the hike. The Virgin River’s flow rate in spring is unpredictable: sometimes the Narrows will close in early March and not open until late June, and other years the hike will remain open all season. The National Park Service posts current closure notices and dates from previous years on its website .

In summer, flash flooding in the Narrows and other Utah slot canyons is a genuine threat, and hikers have died from being swept away in the rushing waters. The rain doesn’t necessarily have to fall in the park – a surge of stormwater can flow down the river even when the sun is shining overhead. Heed all warnings posted by the National Park Service before you set out on a hike.

Some of Zion’s most popular hikes and activities – including Angels Landing, the Subway and the top-down route of the Narrows – require permits that are issued by lottery, so when you visit might be dependent on when you can score a permit. Far fewer people apply for wintertime permits, though these hikes, especially those in water, require extra care and equipment.

How much time should I spend at Zion National Park?

While you can zip through Zion Canyon in a day, you’d miss out on getting to the heart of this gorgeous national park. With limited time, hop on the Zion Canyon Shuttle from the Visitor Center and set off on the shorter hikes that give a taste of Zion’s unique landscape. Ride the shuttle bus to the last stop, Temple of Sinawava, and take the 2-mile round-trip Riverside Walk, a dry, paved route alongside the Virgin River. The paved trail ends where the Narrows begin, but if you’re short on time, resist the river and check out Zion’s other watery features: the delicate hanging gardens at Weeping Rock and the three Emerald Pools, where clusters of tiny, fragile plants cling to near-vertical rock walls, fed by water seeping out of the sandstone.

If you have more time, tackle Zion Canyon’s longer and more challenging hikes – Angels Landing (permit required) and the Narrows (additional gear often required) – and visit East Zion and Kolob Canyons.

Is it easy to get to and around Zion National Park?

Yes, depending on your starting destination, it’s easy to get to Zion National Park, even without a car. The largest major airport closest to Zion is in Las Vegas , and shuttle bus companies can whisk you to the gateway town of Springdale in about three hours. (The closer Utah town of St George has a small airport with just a few direct flights.)

Getting around Zion Canyon without a car is also easy – and even required for much of the year. From March to the end of November, the National Park Service runs the free Zion Canyon Shuttle between the Zion Canyon Visitor Center and the Temple of Sinawava, the location of the trailheads for the Riverside Walk and the Narrows. Private vehicles are not allowed on Zion Canyon Scenic Drive, the road through the canyon, when these shuttle buses are operating.

If you’re staying in Springdale, a separate but also free shuttle bus stops along the town’s main street, where most of the hotels are located. The Springdale Line Shuttle ends a short walk from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. Limited free parking is available inside the park; arrive as early as possible. Otherwise, it costs $20 to park in Springdale.

The main part of Zion National Park has two ways in: the south entrance near Springdale and the east entrance a short drive from Hwy 89. Near the national park’s east entrance, the historic 1.1-mile Zion–Mt Carmel Tunnel was once the longest tunnel in the country. It was completed in 1930 to the specifications for cars at that time (it’s just 22ft wide), so today’s RVs and other oversized vehicles are a tight squeeze. If your vehicle is wider than 7ft 10in or taller than 11ft 4in, you must pay $15 for a tunnel permit and drive through during specified hours when rangers are present so that the tunnel can be converted to one-way traffic.

You need a car to visit the lesser-seen areas of Zion National Park, including Kolob Canyons and Kolob Terrace Rd. These areas are not served by regular shuttle buses or other public transportation.

Top things to do at Zion National Park

The 5000ft of elevation change from Zion Canyon’s floor to the park’s highest peak provides an astounding range of environments. Even the park’s two main hikes – the Narrows and Angels Landing – are polar opposites: one wades through river water that churns through a slot canyon, and the other embarks on a chain-assisted white-knuckle climb to a narrow plateau so high that a minister visiting in the early 1900s quipped that "only angels could land there." 

Angels Landing permits are required to hike the final stretch – the famous part where hikers pull themselves up by chains to reach the overlook with sheer drops and 360-degree views – but you can go as far as Scout Lookout without a permit. For our money, if you’re already putting in the work to conquer Walter’s Wiggles, a series of 21 steep switchbacks on the hike up, you might as well reward your athletic efforts with the full experience and get the Angels Landing permit.

The three Emerald Pools (Lower, Middle and Upper) and Weeping Rock offer gentler trails to oasis-like hanging gardens where plants cling to dripping seeps on the canyon walls. Note: at the time of writing, Weeping Rock was inaccessible due to rockfall. Check online for the latest information before heading out.

Zion Canyon certainly hogs the spotlight, but it’s not the only part of the national park. In East Zion, Observation Point stands 700ft above Angels Landing, but it feels like cheating to reach the viewpoint along the flat woodland path, gloriously skipping the sweaty haul up Walter’s Wiggles. Observation Point was previously accessible from Zion Canyon via the East Rim Trail, but this route has been closed since 2019 because of a landslide and has yet to reopen.

The area around Zion’s east entrance has several more trailheads, and another excellent hiking option is Cable Mountain. At the end of the hike and at the edge of the canyon, the remnants of the historic Cable Mountain Draw Works are a reminder of the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the people who have called this place home. The contraption was once used to lower lumber 2000ft from the East Rim mesa to the floor of Zion Canyon, reducing the timber's transport time from weeklong trips by wagon to just two minutes. Hundreds of thousands of board feet were sent into the valley, including the lumber used to build the original Zion Lodge .

You can also escape the Zion Canyon crowds by checking out the trailheads along Kolob Terrace Rd and in the Kolob Canyons section of Zion National Park. These areas aren’t connected to Zion Canyon by road, but they are on overnight backpacking trails. Kolob Canyons is actually just off Interstate 15 but doesn’t see nearly as many visitors as Zion Canyon.

Need more inspiration?  Here are the best hiking trails in Zion National Park

My favorite thing to do at Zion National Park

My hiking boots and I have spent a lot of quality time together. We’ve trekked all over the world, but I can easily say that wading through the Narrows at Zion National Park is one of my favorite hikes on the planet. The Narrows is quintessential Zion, and this wet and wild "trail" is actually the Virgin River itself. Nothing brings out the kid in me like splashing in the river, and the sense of awe is infectious as you hike through the flowing water, wondering what’s around every river bend.

Hordes of hikers visit the Narrows, but many don't walk more than a mile or two. Quieter sections await the further you go. The best part about hiking the Narrows is that you can walk for as little or as long as you'd like and still have a great time.

As an almost entirely water-based hike, the Narrows isn't your standard walk in the park. Outfitters in Springdale rent canyoneering shoes, neoprene socks, wooden walking sticks, and dry suits or bibs. You don’t necessarily have to get the gear, but what you wear in the Narrows will greatly influence your enjoyment of the hike. The Narrows is cooler than elsewhere in Zion because of the tall canyon walls, and hypothermia can be a risk in colder months. A walking stick helps you navigate the fast-moving currents on slippery rocks, and you'll want to put your phone, camera and anything else you don't want to get wet in a dry bag.

How much money do I need for Zion National Park?

The standard entrance pass for Zion National Park costs $35 per vehicle or $20 per person if you’re visiting on foot, and it’s valid for seven days. If you’re visiting more national parks on a road trip through Utah and beyond, it’s worth buying the America the Beautiful pass for $80. The America the Beautiful pass is valid for a year at all national parks and federal recreation land across the country for one vehicle or four per person entry fees – arguably one of the best travel deals available.

Accommodations in and around Zion National Park can be pricey. Zion Lodge costs $200 to $350 per night depending on the season and the room size, and rooms can be booked out months in advance. Tent-only campsites at Watchman Campground cost $35 a night, and sites with electrical hookups cost $45 per night. 

Tent-only campsites at Lava Point Campground off Kolob Terrace Rd are cheaper ($25 a night) but are open seasonally (usually May through September). These sites are primitive, with pit toilets and no running water. You can camp for free on Bureau of Land Management (BLM) land in Utah, but these areas have no facilities.

What is the closest city to Zion National Park?

The town of Springdale sits at Zion National Park’s south entrance, and it’s so close that you can treat yourself to a post-hike beer at Zion Canyon Brew Pub just after leaving the park boundary. Springdale is a small town but is filled with excellent, if pricey, accommodation options, as well as lots of restaurants, cafes and grocery stores. Find cheaper accommodation options in the towns of Virgin, La Verkin and Hurricane (pronounced "hur-uh-kin") west of Zion along Hwy 9.

Where’s the best place to stay near Zion National Park?

Zion is one of Utah’s two national parks that has noncamping accommodations inside the park, at the historic Zion Lodge , opened in 1924 but rebuilt after a devastating fire in 1966. (Nearby Bryce Canyon National Park also has a lodge.) Reservations here and at Zion Canyon’s two campgrounds (Watchman Campground and South Campground, currently closed for long-term renovations) can be made up to six months in advance.

Springdale has a wealth of accommodations, though the proximity to the south entrance means higher prices. Not far from Zion’s east entrance, Zion Ponderosa Ranch Resort is a good pick for families, with tons of on-site activities, including a climbing wall, swimming pool, mini golf and paintball. You can even glamp in a Conestoga wagon.

Zion Ponderosa is also a good base camp for travelers looking to tackle the hikes in East Zion. Its sister company East Zion Adventures runs shuttles to the trailheads for Observation Point and Cable Mountain, and it’s best to go with it because the roads are extremely rutted and parking is minimal.

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The BEST Road Trips In America And Around The World: The Ultimate List

Posted: February 16, 2024 | Last updated: February 16, 2024

Roadside highlights

From the wilds of Chile to the kitsch Americana of Route 66, there’s nothing quite like a road trip for giving you the freedom to explore. We’ve sought out the unmissable experiences and hidden treasures on some of the world’s most incredible drives.

Click or scroll through this gallery to discover the most incredible road trips around the world and their standout experiences...

The Badlands Loop, South Dakota, USA

It's home to a variety of native wildlife, including a large colony of prairie dogs. At the Badlands Ranch Store you can buy peanuts and feed the furry rodents, but to see them in a wilder and more natural setting, take a five-mile detour down the bumpy track from Sage Creek Rim Road to Prairie Dog Town.

Sit back and watch as the champion diggers scurry about in the grasslands, popping in and out of their maze of holes.

After dark, it’s the Badlands’ starry night skies that seduce you with their beauty. Camp at Cedar Pass and enjoy star-spotting sessions. In July the Badlands Astronomy Festival takes place, with the park's Ben Reifel visitor center the place to find out what's happening.

In past events, there have been nightly telescope viewings with astronomers on hand to point out the Milky Way, Saturn’s rings, and Jupiter’s moons.

The Garden Route, South Africa

From glorious beaches to lush green hills, the Garden Route traces South Africa’s south-eastern coast. Flanked between the Indian Ocean and verdant mountains, the 125-mile journey extends from Mossel Bay in the Western Cape to Storms River in the Eastern Cape, taking in Knysna, Plettenberg Bay, and Tsitsikamma National Park.

Knysna is the golden child of the Garden Route, but make sure you also pay a visit to peaceful Noetzie Beach, just 10 minutes away. There are six quirky, privately owned ‘castles’ set in the lush hills behind the beach, some of which are available to rent.

Play at being royalty for the day as you watch dolphins frolic in the Indian Ocean beyond.

With wild forests plunging down to sandy bays, Tsitsikamma National Park is dramatic and enchanting. Tourists flock to the suspension bridge dangling over the mouth of the Storms River but try paddling up the gorge itself using a lilo.

Untouched Adventures uses the inflatables to explore hard-to-reach watery nooks and crannies.

Ring Road N1, Iceland

The famed cascading waters of Selfoss and Dettifoss are spectacular, but for a phenomenon with an otherworldly feel, head to the so-called lava falls at Hraunfossar in West Iceland. Here the water bubbles out of the Hallmundarhraun lava flow, tumbling down into the Hvita River below.

Tourists flock to the Blue Lagoon in their thousands, but for a more peaceful place to wallow, head to Seljavallalaug in the Highlands of the South Coast. Getting to the geothermal swimming pool, said to be the oldest in Iceland, involves a short detour off the Ring Road and a rocky 20-minute walk, but the valley views from the hot thermal waters are well worth it.

The Great Ocean Road, Australia

Australia’s Great Ocean Road skirts along Victoria's coast to the border with South Australia, with jaw-dropping views at every stretch. Start in Torquay, Victoria to take the 148-mile route west that takes in golden arcs of secluded sand, verdant rainforest, and plunging cliffs.

The coastline's most famous rock formations can be seen in Port Campbell National Park, towards the end of the route, including the Twelve Apostles – although sadly erosion means that only eight of these magnificent rocks remain.

When it comes to beaches, Bells Beach is famous for its surf and Apollo Bay is one of the area’s big hitters. Many gorgeous stretches lie between Lorne and Anglesea, including Aireys Inlet, a quiet hamlet with a towering lighthouse and glorious sweep of sand.

Explore the rock pools beneath the lighthouse, paddle in the waves, and climb up to take a tour of the historic structure.

The Basque Circuit, France and Spain

Kick things off in the Basque city of Bilbao, famous for its art, architecture, and food. While hordes descend on the Guggenheim Bilbao, the more understated Bilbao Fine Arts Museum is well worth a visit too, with masterpieces by Velazquez, El Greco, and Murillo.

Take an umbrella as you explore, as it rains in Bilbao around 12 days a month.

Montréal to the Gaspé Peninsula, Québec, Canada

Traveling in winter? You can seek refuge in the spectacular Hotel de Glace, a luxurious hotel made entirely of ice, just north of Québec City. It takes 60 people 45 days to build and only lasts from January until March.

The next day, refuel at Trois-Pistoles, where you can pick up freshly made breads, pastries, and cheese at locally-renowned Fromagerie des Basques.

Once on the peninsula, look out for blue and humpback whales among other cetaceans in the Gulf of St Lawrence and visit the crimson Pointe A La Renommee, one of Québec’s 43 lighthouses. Venture to the Mont Lyall open pit mine where, armed with a pick hammer and bucket, you collect geodes by the dozen. The resident stone-cutter will then slice open your most promising rocks, revealing their hidden sparkles.

The Atlantic Ocean Road, Norway

Stop at Bjartmars Favorittkro Tavern, with its grass-clad roof. Here you can tuck into locally caught cod stew and watch the storms roll in. Driving here in winter can seem hairy, as the ocean waves wash over the road.

For a different perspective, drive the road in both directions and, if you stop at one of the lookouts by night, you might catch a glimpse of the Northern Lights.

Obvious attractions include wildlife watching and fishing from the specially constructed walkways but take things up a notch by diving in the clear Atlantic waters.  Strømsholmen  offers guided dives locally and organizes fishing expeditions with likely catches being codfish, pollock, mackerel, and halibut.

Route 66, USA

For a classic slice of Route 66 history, stop for a photo at the Ambler’s Texaco gas station in Dwight, Illinois. Once the longest-running gas station on the highway, it was donated to the village of Dwight and lovingly restored.

There’s no gas though, so fill up elsewhere!

Wild West fans should head to Holbrook, Arizona. Take a walk up Holbrook’s Bucket of Blood street, so named because two rival groups of cowboys had a bloody shoot-out here in 1886.

Stay in one of the giant wigwams at the quirky  Wigwam Motel , somewhere you can expect oodles of character if not luxury.

The North Coast 500, Scotland

They may be on the well-trodden tourist trail, but Urquhart Castle and Loch Ness deserve a visit. Favorite haunts for Inverness locals include the Ness Islands, connected by a series of pretty suspension bridges in the middle of the river.

Afterward, head to Leakey’s vast second-hand bookshop, then the Milk Bar for handmade Highland ice cream.

Carretera Austral, Chile

Yes, it’s a crowd pleaser, but don’t miss the raw power of Petrohué Falls, with the staggering Osorno Volcano as its backdrop. Hire a boat to take you to El Rincón, then walk three hours through rainforest and overhanging bridges to Termas de Callao hot springs.

Ease aching muscles in the hot baths, before turning back.

Now discover 50 essential experiences to enjoy in South America...

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Washington Trails Association

Trails for everyone, forever

Trip Report

Mildred point , rampart ridge loop — thursday, may. 2, 2024.

Trip Report By

Type of hike, trail conditions, trails hiked.

• Mildred Point
• Rampart Ridge Loop

This week's snowfall has covered the lower sections of the Wonderland trail out of Longmire starting around the downed trees. Sure it will melt quickly with the warm days. Up higher it was more substantial and was a bit slick and mucky. The trail up to Mildred Point was snow covered from the beginning. Two weeks ago it had been snow free when I passed by there. I put on my spikes at the junction. There was one big downed tree shortly after starting up which required a belly crawl. I encountered no other tree issues. I stuck to the summer trail until it drops off the ridge where I tried to stay to the trail but it is a steep hillside and past my comfort level. I back tracked and stayed on the ridge top till I regained the trail on the other side. The snow was firm with a fresh layer on top and I did not sink in or post hole. I was hoping to find that elusive view of the Mt. ,but realized I had more forest to get thru. I was unsure I could safely climb the final switchbacks to the junction with Van Trump Trail so I regained the ridge and found a patch of sun for my lunch break with beautiful peek a boo views. I could even see the road to Paradise. Trail easy to follow as it just goes straight along the ridge. Biggest problem on the Mildred Pt Trail was the snow bombs dropping off the trees, but only had a direct hit twice. It was quite wet though and put my rain coat and pack cover on.I decided to complete the Rampart Ridge Loop. Again a bit mucky with snpw and puddles on the upper section, Sure this will be gone soon. Spotted varied thrush, juncos, ground squirrel and a very tolerant deer near Longmire. 

28 countries for $25K? Princess' World Cruise will offer 'more all-inclusive experience'

On Princess Cruises’ 2026 world cruise, the line will one-up itself.

The 114-day sailing will visit 52 ports, the most destinations for any of the line’s world cruises.

Terry Thornton, the line’s chief commercial officer said the voyage “addresses a growing interest in longer voyages that make stops at more exotic destinations, and the urge to do it as part of a more all-inclusive experience,” according to a news release .

“Our 2026 World Cruise offers our most destination-rich itinerary ever so guests can immerse themselves in a global experience rich with landmarks, ancient ruins, unique landscapes, wildlife, gastronomy, cultures and heritage,” he added.

What is a world cruise? It's not a 'shoot-from-the-hip decision'

When is Princess’ 2026 world cruise?

The cruise will sail round-trip from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Jan. 5, 2026, on the line’s 2,000-guest Coral Princess ship.

 Guests can also opt to sail round-trip from Los Angeles on Jan. 21 instead.

Where will the cruise go?

Guests will sail to 28 countries on six continents, and the stops will give passengers access to 45 UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The itinerary also features late departures from more than a dozen ports, including Honolulu, Hawaii, Singapore, and Sydney, Australia. Guests will also stay overnight in Hong Kong.

The cruise will include the line's first-ever stop in Boracay, an island in the Philippines, and Coral Princess will make new world cruise calls to Puerto Chiapas, Mexico and Ponta Delgada in Portugal’s Azores Islands . Guests can enjoy destination-specific programming on board, such as themed deck and sail-away parties, lectures on Mediterranean history and art, World War II and more.

How much does the cruise cost?

The round-trip Fort Lauderdale departure currently starts at $25,214 per person based on double occupancy, while the Los Angeles option starts at $24,004, according to the line’s website .

Guests who book by Oct. 31, 2024, will get a complimentary Princess Premier package that includes Wi-Fi, premium alcoholic drinks, specialty coffee and more; $500 in onboard credit each for two passengers; and transfers from local airports, among other perks.

Nathan Diller is a consumer travel reporter for USA TODAY based in Nashville. You can reach him at [email protected].

Trudeau forced to accept meeting about Sikh activists in order to land in Punjab during 2018 trip

A banner hangs on Friday at Guru Nanak Sikh Gurdwara, site of the 2023 murder of Sikh separatist leader Hardeep Singh Nijjar, in Surrey, B.C. Mr. Nijjar was a leading organizer with Sikhs for Justice. Jennifer Gauthier/Reuters

India refused to let Prime Minister Justin Trudeau’s plane land in Punjab during a visit in 2018 unless he and his defence minister agreed to meet with a government official to air grievances about Sikh separatists in Canada, including Hardeep Singh Nijjar, according to a source with direct knowledge.

During the meeting, India’s minister for the Punjab, Captain Amarinder Singh, handed Mr. Trudeau and then-defence minister Harjit Sajjan a dossier containing the names of about 10 Sikh activists whose activities the Indian government wanted curtailed, the source said.

The dossier was part of a years-long effort by the government of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to press Canada to take legal action against Sikh separatists, whom India views as terrorists. Those frictions have boiled over in the aftermath of the slaying last June of Mr. Nijjar , who was gunned down in the parking lot of the temple in Surrey, B.C., where he was a leader. Months later, Mr. Trudeau stood in the House of Commons and suggested Indian agents may have been involved in Mr. Nijjar’s death.

During the 2018 trip , Mr. Trudeau and Mr. Sajjan had plans to travel to the northwestern state of Punjab, home to the majority of Sikhs. They were told they would not be able to land in the state unless they took the meeting. Mr. Trudeau and Mr. Sajjan wanted to avoid Capt. Singh because he had earlier described Mr. Sajjan’s father as a terrorist owing to the elder Sajjan’s previous position leading the World Sikh Organization, the source said. The Globe and Mail is not identifying the source, who was not authorized to discuss the matter.

The meeting went ahead and Capt. Singh presented the dossier. All on the list, like Mr. Nijjar, were known for promoting the creation of a Sikh homeland carved out of the Punjab, an area Sikhs would call Khalistan.

The discussion with Capt. Singh was “not pleasant,” said the source. Canadian government officials assured the Indians they would look at the list presented to Mr. Sajjan, one that had previously been shared with the Canadian Security Intelligence Service.

Justin Trudeau, left, meets with Punjab Chief Minister Amarinder Singh in Amritsar, India, on Feb. 21, 2018. Amritsar District Public Relations Officer

Canadian officials told their Indian counterparts that while they understood the concerns about possible terrorist activities, they also stressed Canadian police can’t arrest someone simply because they express views that New Delhi doesn’t like, the source said. This did not go over well with Indian officials, particularly in their department of external affairs, the source added.

Last Friday, the RCMP arrested three young Indian nationals in Edmonton and charged them with Mr. Nijjar’s murder. Assistant Commissioner David Teboul told the news conference the force’s probe included “investigating connections to the government of India.”

Opinion: Justin Trudeau didn’t start the fire. But the Prime Minister helped stoke Canada’s political polarization

After arrests in Hardeep Singh Nijjar killing, Trudeau addresses fears of Sikh community

Mr. Nijjar was a leading organizer with Sikhs for Justice, a group organizing a symbolic referendum advocating for the creation of Khalistan. Hundreds of thousands of Sikhs have voted over several years in the campaign, which is not binding, in Canada, the United States, Britain and Australia.

India’s government classified Mr. Nijjar as a terrorist in 2021, but his supporters see him as a human-rights activist exercising his right to free speech.

The dossier was shared at a time when CSIS had been working with India’s spy service, known as the Research and Analysis Wing, or RAW, to look into the activities of Sikh separatists living in Canada, including possible fundraising and any links to terrorism, the source said.

Canadian officials assured the Indians before the trip that Mr. Trudeau would make a strong statement on terrorism and extremism, which he did but at the end of the visit.

Near the start of the trip, it became known that Jaspal Atwal, a convicted failed assassin, was invited to a pair of receptions with the Prime Minister and was even photographed with Sophie Grégoire Trudeau. Mr. Atwal was convicted in the 1980s of attempting to kill an Indian cabinet minister who was travelling in Canada.

Mr. Modi has become increasingly aggressive on the issue of Sikh separatists and what he and his government have described as Canada’s failure to respond. Last month, Mr. Modi said at a campaign rally in India that his government is done with asking foreign governments nicely to deal with people – mostly Sikhs – it considers terrorists living abroad, though he did not specifically mention Canada or the incident with Mr. Trudeau and Mr. Sajjan.

“Today, India no longer sends dossiers, ghar mein ghus kar maarta hai (kills enemies inside their houses),” he said during a speech last week. He was quoted in NDTV .

Since Mr. Trudeau made public the allegations against India in the House of Commons last fall, more evidence has emerged of the involvement of Indian officials in the alleged plot, including a criminal indictment in the United States, which alleges an Indian intelligence officer enlisted underworld figures to assassinate Sikhs who advocate for Khalistan.

Dan Stanton, a former executive manager at CSIS, said it’s very difficult to believe India provided Canada with credible evidence about alleged Sikh militants on home soil and Ottawa did nothing about it. Instead, he’s skeptical of the information coming from the Indian spy service.

“When you look at their security intelligence services and the reliability of their information, with the Indians, it’s always been problematic,” said Mr. Stanton, who worked on Sikh extremism in the 1990s but confirmed he hasn’t seen the 2018 dossier.

“The idea that this man could be a terrorist according to Canadian legal standards, and just be walking around, is absurd. It sounds to me the information India would have provided wouldn’t have passed muster and met the threshold for the RCMP to arrest this fellow and charge him.”

India’s government has a history of inflating the threat of the Khalistan movement for political purposes, and Mr. Nijjar’s case feels no different, he said.

Editor’s note: An earlier version of this story and headline suggested the Prime Minister’s plane was in the air when Canadian officials were told they could not land in Punjab unless they agreed to a meeting about Sikh separatists. This story has been updated to correct the timeline.

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